-------------------------- D.Raya ---------------------------
Vanderson - Marc. Guehi - Branthwaite - Mittelstädt
---------------- Doug Luiz --- B.Kamara -----------------
L.Bailey ------------ B.Fernandes ------------- Grealish
------------------------ O.Watkins -------------------------
M.Bulka, J.Anderson, Wieffer, McGinn, Ferran, Kudus, Guirassy
A solid back 4 with Branthwaite looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Guehi alongside, again a very tough, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Branthwaite if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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 but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 2 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, Kamara will be there snapping at his heals, D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Bruno will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, Grealish comes inside alot, Bailey to the outside, at times they will 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. I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, always dragging players away to make space for himself and others, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with the 3 behind buzzing around.
Captain - Dougls Luiz
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 70 Mins - Guirassy, Kudus for Bailey and Bruno 442/424 a it more direct to the big man up top, McGinn for Kamara
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Wieffer for Bruno, sit in midfield, Kamara drop in between the lines, Kudus for Bailey
80 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins
Drawing -
70 Mins - Kudus for Bruno, Ferran for Bailey, Guirassy for Grealish(Watkins to LW), Guirassy No9, mix it up a little up top
---------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - M. Olivera
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice -----------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ---------------------
----- Alvarez ----------------------------- R.Leao -----
----------------------- E.Haaland -----------------------
Carnesecchi, N.Mendes, A.Varela, Echeverri, Diaby, Solanke, Can Uzun
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Villa, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Olivera is a good defender, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Olivera goes the most supporting Leao, leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Olivera goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder he is a bit of a thug so the Brentford man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Haaland in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Haaland, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude 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, 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 and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Solanke for Enzo, Jude drop in beside Rice, Solanke up top, Diaby for Alvarez
75 Mins - Can Uzun for Olivera, he plays just in behind the two up top 3412 or 3232 when attacking
Drawing -
70 Mins - Can Uzun for Enzo, Jude goes in mifield beside Rice, Uzun plays just off Haaland's shoulder, Diaby for Alvarez, Mendes for Olivera
Winning -
75 Mins - Varela for Enzo, a lot more bite to him and will take the role of Man Marking from Rice, Diaby for Alvarez
80 Mins - N.Mendes for Leao
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Leon Goretzka
Benoît Badiashile
Artem Dovbyk
Amar Dedic
_____________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇳🇱J.Timber_🇺🇦Zabarnyi__🏴Chalobah_🇺🇦Mykolenko
___________🇦🇹Laimer______🇳🇱 Q. Timber
__________🇭🇺Szoboszlai______🇺🇦Mudryk
_________🇳🇱Zirkzee____________🇸🇳Jackson
Subs
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🇺🇦 Mykola Matvienko
🇺🇦 Oleksandr Zinchenko
🏴 Ethan Ampadu
🇺🇦 Georgiy Sudakov
🏴 Brennan Johnson
Captain - Laimer
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Szoboszlai
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Williams on for J. Timber
Sudakov on for Mudryk
Johnson on for Jackson
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Brentford defence. The formation gives a free role to Foden, Brentford have an attacking team so we give Foden freedom to exploit this, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Musiala, Rodri and Valverde have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Valverde and Musiala have the power and energy on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Musiala comes inside next to Rodri, giving Valverde freedom to attack and link with TAA, Foden and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across and a dm in Rodri, provide a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Rodri provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Valverde and Musiala offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Foden and Livramento (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Brentford.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Foden given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
——————————————— Alisson
Livramento — Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
—————— Valverde ——— Rodri —— Musiala
—————————————— P.Foden ——————
—————————— Osimhen —— A.Isak
Subs. Henderson, Stones, Mac Allister, Olise, Eze, Kvaratskhelia, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Foden is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Valverde and Musiala set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Foden zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Foden giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Rodri to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Kvaratshkelia for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Mac Allister for Musiala. Fresh energy in cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise and Kvaratskhelia for Musiala and Isak. 4-2-3-1.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Livramento. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb.
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
-------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Gravenberch----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Savio--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Mamardashvili, Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Madueke, Tel
CK'S - SAVIO
FK'S - SAVIO
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Scalvini in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Gravenberch
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. Gravenberch 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. Gravenberch will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Savio + Doku
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. Savio will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Tel for Hojlund and Gravenberch 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.
---------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Scalvini-------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Savio--------Tel------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Savio and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
----------------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Gravenberch-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Tel for Savio and Doku.
------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Gravenberch-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Tel---------------------------
*RED CARD SCENARIO*
Change formation to 342 in all scenarios with Doku partnering Hojlund in strike.
If the GK gets sent off take off Savio and put on Mamardashvili in goal.
If any of the CB's get sent off take off Savio and put on Diomande at CB.
If any of the wingbacks get sent off take off Savio and put on Rico Lewis at wingback.
If any of my CM's get sent off take off Savio and put on Doue in CM.
If any of the front 3 get sent off leave things be.
Watford: League Week 12: Home vs Man City
Captain: Collins
Vice Captain: André
Team:
-----------------Verbruggen
Wesley---Collins—Murillo---Vanderlan
-------------------André
---------------Price---White
Prestianni-------------------------Edwards
--------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bento, Esquerdinha, Quansah, Redondo, Hugo, Guilherme, Leonardo
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: Verbruggen 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: André 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. Price and White will play just in front of André. Price will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. White 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 Prestianni and Edwards 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 White, Price and Ferguson 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 Price may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson 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: Price, Edwards or Prestianni with Collins, Murillo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Edwards (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Ferguson
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Leonardo for Ferguson and Guilherme for Prestianni, 2 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Guilherme for Price and Leonardo for Prestianni. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Leonardo and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
----------------André
Guilherme--White--- Edwards
------Ferguson---Leonardo
Man City
---------------------- 🏴 Johnstone -------------------------
🇫🇷 Kounde -- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk -- 🇮🇹 Bastoni -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
------------------------- 🇮🇹 Tonali ---------------------------
🏴 Palmer -- 🇳🇱 X.Simons -- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -- 🇧🇷 Raphinha
---------------------- 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic -------------------------
Subs:
Pavard, Porro, Caicedo, P.Neto, Nkunku, Dybala, G.Jesus
Captain: Van Dijk
Free Kicks: Wirtz
Penalties: Palmer
Corners: Wirtz
We look to have a bit of fun and go with an attacking 4-1-4-1 in today’s match up.
A few tweaks to our normal line up as we look to keep things fresh. A solid back 4 which can evolve into a back 3 to enable Maatsen to push forward down the left. When he does Kounde will play RCB in a back three as Van Dijk sits in the middle and Bastoni drifts across to LCB covering the space vacated by Maatsen.
Tonali comes into the side at DM due to his top class ball retention. In Wirtz and Simons we have two of the next gen’s finest, real technicians on the ball we want them to work in tandem with Tonali to retain the ball, keep recycling as we draw the opposition out, move them out of position creating gaps in their defence with all three of Tonali, Wirtz & Simons capable of threading the ball through the eye of needle with that killer pass in the final third.
Palmer and Raphinha flank the young AM duo, real pace and positivity as we go at them from the off, they’ll look to stretch the field and test the opposition players appetite to track back. We push forward in numbers, confident in the ball retention ability of our midfield technicians and always ready to pounce on an opening in their backline.
We look to this attacking quartet to take us to the victory with the big man up top Vlahovic likely to be in heaven with the service around him and a man in fine form we fancy him to thrive.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Johnstone
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Simons Tonali Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Raphinha
With our midfielders dropping slightly deeper as we look to win back possession and hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Van Dijk will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Bastoni next to him to act as cover.
Our fullbacks have slightly different roles. The opposition tend to be stronger down the left and therefore we go with the defensively superior Kounde. Strong and more importantly quick he’s the perfect player to eliminate the pace of their winger. On the opposite flank we have the more attacking Maatsen, with a wand of a left foot he’ll have license to push forward more and whip balls in from the left for our striker to bury.
Midfield:
Tonali will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons. He’ll be our shield in the middle of the park.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
Forwards:
In attack we have the perfect blend of pace, power and creativity in abundance.
Palmer on the right has license to cut inside on that wand of a left foot and will thrive linking up with our AM’s in the middle. Quick one two’s should open up space on the edge of the box with the young Englishman lethal when presented with half a chance. He also has license to drift as our AM's are interchangeable, making them almost impossible to man mark with each as deadly as the other when finding themselves in pockets of space with the ball at their feet. Handbrake is taken off as they are given the freedom to show off their attacking prowess with our DM sitting back offering a protective shield in front of our defence.
On the opposite flank Raphinha offers a bundle of pace and energy, he’ll look to be direct and take on his man down the byline before whipping in a cross for Vlahovic to attack. His rapid pace also makes him a threat in behind as he’ll look to stretch their defence with Simon’s and Wirtz capable of cutting open their backline with their through balls for Raphina to run onto.
Vlahovic is the perfect target man, big and strong he’s capable of holding the ball up allowing our attacking quartet to get up and support. We want him to pin back their CB’s opening up space on the edge of the box for the likes of Palmer, Wirtz and Simons to get off a shot at goal.
In the area we want him to attack the 6 yard box with crosses being whipped in from out wide and slide rule balls from our AM’s ensuring our number 9 will get plenty of service as he looks to continue his fine goalscoring form.
Subs:
If winning:
65 mins: Simons off, Caicedo on. 4-2-3-1
75 mins: Raphinha off, P.Neto on. Fresh legs.
85 mins: Vlahovic off, Nkunku on.
If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Kounde off, Porro on. More attacking RB.
65 mins: Raphinha off, Dybala on.
75 mins: Simons off, Nkunku on, Attacking 4-2-2-2. Tonali & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Nkunku as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
Tottenham v NEWCASTLE UNITED
Injuries: Guerreiro, Barnes, Walker, Lamptey
----------------------- Oblak
Gomez - Rudiger - Min-Jae - Mendy
----------------- Tchouameni
------- De Bruyne ----- Gallagher
Salah ------------------------------------ Diaz
-------------------- Openda
Subs: Kelleher, Tapsoba, Palhinha, Isco, Son, Sane, Lewandowski
----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Spurs, our back four and DM should keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 in possession and a 4-5-1 out of possession, Oblak in goal, Rudiger and Min-Jae at centreback, Joe Gomez and Ferland Mendy at fullback, Tchouameni the sole sitting DM, Kevin De Bruyne and Conor Gallagher transitioning from midfield to attack, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz either side of Lois Openda upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Spurs are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Oblak - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Openda.
Rudiger/Min-Jae - Min-Jae to mark their stiker, bully him and force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rudiger to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and to their runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Gomez/Mendy - Both of you to force the Spurs wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have the ball in our own half, move infield either side of Tchouameni to give him passing options, in attack push forward and overlap Salah/Diaz as they will try to drag the fullback infield, and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Openda, and link with De Bruyne and Gallagher. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Tchouameni - Playing in front of the back four, patrol the midfield and prevent Spurs from being able to play in the gaps between midfield and defence. Cut passing lanes, and utilise your physicality when required. In possession, look for Gomez and Mendy either side of you, and De Bruyne and Gallagher ahead of you. No need to get forward, apart for setpieces on occasion.
De Bruyne/Gallagher - Both playing in central midfield but both able to stray into the AM role when required, without the ball form a midfield trio either side of Tchouameni, in possession you both have the freedom to be creative, link the defence and attack, and be match winners. Both of you to primarily work deeper, pick up the ball from Gomez/Mendy/Tchouameni and look for Salah/Diaz/Openda making runs, ball retention is key to us winning today. Gallagher to be the one who tries to play in the gaps, by making runs you can either drag midfielders out of position to leave more space for De Bruyne, or defenders out of position to create space for Salah/Diaz/Openda to move into and have chances. In possession look for the final ball, but don't force it. Ball retention is still key.
Salah/Diaz - Both playing as inverted wingers, you will have Gomez and Mendy overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Openda and the advancing midfielders with chances, and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Bruyne and Gallagher will be vital, and look to capitalise on the space Openda's presence will create for you. Without the ball, drop back to form a midfield five either side of De Bruyne, Tchouameni and Gallagher to make it hard for Spurs to break us down.
Openda - You will be expected to occupy the Spurs centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Try and swap with Salah and Diaz on occasion to drag the centre backs apart and leave space for De Bruyne/Gallagher to get forward into. Expect plenty of through balls from De Bruyne/Gallagher, and don't be afraid to take chances first time to limit their defence being able to recover and block attempts.
------------------
Substitutions;
If winning at 70 mins: Salah, Diaz and De Bruyne off, Sane, Son and Palhinha on. Change to a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1, with Palhinha a second DM alongside Tchouameni, Gallagher just ahead of the pair, Sane to RM and Som to LM. Absorb pressure, look to run the clock down by retaining possession, and utilise the fresh legs out wide and the pace of Openda down the middle to counter attack.
If drawing at 70 mins: Openda, Diaz and Gallagher off, Lewandowski, Son and Sane on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Tchouameni the DM, Sane - KDB - Son behind a front two of Lewandowski and Salah, try to create a winner and utilise your skills against a tiring Spurs defence.
If losing at 70 mins: Gallagher, Tchouameni and Min-Jae off, Lewandowski, Isco and Sane on. Change to 3-1-4-2, De Bruyne in the quarterback role. Push for goals.
--------------- Oblak
Gomez - Rudiger - Mendy
----------- De Bruyne
Salah - Sane - Isco - Diaz
- Lewandowski - Openda
Setpieces:
Corners: De Bruyne or Gallagher
Penalties: Lewandowski, Salah or Openda (in that order depending on who's on the pitch)
------------------------- D.Raya --------------------------
Vanderson - Marc Guehi - Branthwaite - Robertson
------- Doug Luiz --- B.Kamara --- J. McGinn --------
L.Bailey ---------------------------------------- Grealish
----------------------- O.Watkins ------------------------
Bazanu, Boungiorno, Wieffer, D.Olmo, B.Fernandes, Kudus, Guirassy
We need to be patient, we have 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, obvs up against it and possibly 2 top strikers so stay compact in the midfield and dont allow them the time or space to get it upto the front 2
A solid back 4 with Branthwaite looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Guehi alongside, again a very touch, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Branthwaite if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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, midfield will help them keep the strikers away from danger hopefully
Fullbacks will attack one at a time, look for the one/two with the winger ahead or the midfielder inside, but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 3 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes he will be there snapping at his heals, he doesnt venture very far from hwere he need to be thus giving support to the back line. D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball. McGinn will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence in the trio with Kamara and Luiz it is very solid, just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, at times they will 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. move to a flat midfeld 5 when they have the ball to create as little space as possible, I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking, a tough shift for te wingers but they will cope
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with Grealish, McGinn and Bailey buzzing around.
Captain - McGinn
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Boungiorno for McGinn, go to CB middle of the 3, Vanderson and Robertson push on into midfield, Guirassy for Bailey, Bruno for Grealish 3412 Bruno at 10, Guirassy up top with something to aim for
Drawing -
After 65 Mins - Kudus for Bailey, Bruno for McGinn, he will go to AM
75 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins, Wieffer for McGinn
85 Mins - Kudus for Bailey
---------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - N. Mendes
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice ------------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ----------------------
----- Alvarez ----------------------------- R. Leao -----
------------------------ G.Ramos ------------------------
Carnesecchi, M.Olivera, J.Guerra, Koopmeiners, Can Uzun, Solanke, Hakimi
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Arsenal, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Mendes, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Mendes goes the most supporting Leao they will link up well knowing each others style of play from Portugal, leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Mendes goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Ramos or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder the Arsenal man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Ramos in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Ramos, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Ramos will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude more time and space to pick there moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to Ramos who can beat any defender with power/pace, 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 Ramos, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Ramos/Leao
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing - After 65 Mins - Ben White to RCB, Mendes to LM, Leao up top with Alvarez, Hakimi for Ramos 3412, Hakimi to RM, Koopmeiners for Enzo, more creativity
75 Mins - Solanke for Leao
Drawing
After 70 Mins - Odobert for Ramos, he goes to RM, Alvarez up top, Koopmeiners for Enzo, Hakimi for White, more attacking
Winning -
After 75 Mins - M.Olivera for Mendes better defensively, J.Guerra for Enzo fresh legs, Solanke for Ramos
Red Card
All scenarios apart form Jude red, Ramos off Bellingham to False 9
Martinez - Carnesecchi on
White - Hakimi on
Mendes - Olivera on
CB - Romero on
Enzo/Rice - Guerra on
Alvarez - Hakimi on
Leao - Olivera on and to LB, Mendes to LM
Ramos - Bellingham to false 9
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Brentford defence. The formation gives a free role to Foden, Brentford have an attacking team so we give Foden freedom to exploit this, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Mac Allister, Rodri and Eze have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Mac Allister have the stamina and intelligence on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Eze comes inside next to Rodri, giving Mac Allister freedom to attack and link with TAA, Foden and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across and a dm in Rodri, provide a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Rodri provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Mac Allister and Eze offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Foden Eze, Mac and Trent (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Villa.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Foden given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
————————————— Alisson
Trent.A —— Marquinhos —— J.Stones —— Theo.H
———— Mac Allister —— Rodri ——— E.Eze
————————————— P.Foden ——————
————————— Osimhen —— A.Isak
Subs. Sanchez, Militao, Wharton, Ugarte, Olise, Felix, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Foden is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Stones who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Mac and Eze set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Foden zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Foden giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Rodri to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Wharton for Eze. Left footer and fresh legs at lcm
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise and Felix for Eze and Isak. 4-2-3-1. Foden left.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Mac Allister. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb. Trent rcm.
Watford: League Week 13 AWAY to Newcastle
Captain: André
Vice-Captain: Bento
------------------Bento
Bradley---Collins--Murillo--Vanderlan
--------------André--Jones
-------------------White
Edwards-----------------------------Magno
-------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Verbruggen, Wesley Vinícius, Quansah, Redondo, Hugo, Ensico, Leonardo
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with André as the holding/defensive midfielder who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Jones). In front of them White will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Jones will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with White and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Bento is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with André as the one holding/defensive midfielder. He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Jones). 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 White will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Edwards and Magno 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 White, Jones and Ferguson 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 Jones may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: White, Magno or Edwards with Collins, Murillo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Magno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Quansah for Collins, Redondo for André and Leonardo for Ferguson.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Jones with Leonardo and Edwards with Ensico. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------André
Ensico---White---Magno
--------Leonardo--Ferguson
Man City
----------------------- 🇮🇹 Donnarumma -----------------------
🇪🇸 P.Porro -- 🇫🇷 J.Kounde --- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
-------------------------- 🇮🇹 Tonali ----------------------------
---------------- 🇳🇱 X.Simons --- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -----------------
---- 🏴 C.Palmer --------------------------- 🇫🇷 Nkunku ----
------------------------ 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic -------------------------
Subs:
Johnstone, Pavard, Caicedo, Barcola, Raphinha, Dybala, G.Jesus
We look to have a bit of fun and go with an attacking 4-3-3 in today’s match up.
Built on a solid back 4 we go with a young midfield trio full of energy supplying our front 3 as we go in search of goals.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Donnarumma
Porro Kounde Van Dijk Maatsen
Simons Tonali Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Nkunku
With Simons & Wirtz dropping in alongside Tonali they’ll provide support in behind our wingers. If the opposition get the ball out wide we want our outside CM’s to engage them, working in tandem with our FB’s to win back possession.
This tactic removes the responsibility of Palmer & Nkunku having to track back, instead with want them to play in the half spaces between their defence and midfield, cutting out the passing lanes from their CB’s to FB’s and forcing the opposition to go long. Increasing the chances of them losing possession and being perfectly placed for us to them hit them on the counter.
Stationed up top on the right Palmer has license to cut inside, when he does Simons will drift to the right opening up space for Palmer in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to Simons on the flank allows the youngsters to whip in a delicious ball for Vlahovic to attack. Similarly Nkunku has license to do the same on the other flank with Wirtz drifting wide, with the German currently in scintillating form in the final third.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Kounde and Van Dijk, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Kounde will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Van Dijk next to him to act and cover and sweeping up any balls in behind.
Our fullbacks have license to get forward with Porro and Maatsen offering us some natural width on the flanks and both have superb delivery in the final third as they look to whip balls in from out wide for Vlahovic to attack.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Tonali will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
They’ll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal.
Forwards:
We go with a deadly attacking trident up top. Palmer and Nkunku play as inside forwards, both fantastic technicians capable of operating in tight spaces. They’ll look to play off the big man up top and both are deadly in and around the box.
With a dream supply line around him Vlahovic will be in his element. A real power forward he offers the dual threat of being deadly in the air and a natural born goalscorer with the ball at his feet.
He’ll be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Simons off, Caicedo on. Tonali & Caicedo as dual DM’s. Wirtz moves to 10.
75 mins: Nkunku off, Barcola on. Fresh legs and an extra pace out wide.
85 mins: Porro off, Pavard on. Tighten up defensively at the back.
If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Nkunku off, Raphinha on. More pace and directness out wide.
75 mins: Simons off, Dybala on. Attacking 4-2-2-2. Tonali & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Raphinha playing as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
85 mins: Tonali off, Paqueta on. Extra creativity as we go for the winner.
Manchester City v BRENTFORD
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Georgiy Sudakov
Nicolas Jackson
Ethan Ampadu
Oleksandr Zinchenko
_________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇧🇦Dedic_🇳🇱J.Timber_🏴Chalobah_🇫🇷Locko
________🇦🇹Laimer______🇳🇱Q. Timber
______🇭🇺Szoboszlai_______🇺🇦Mudryk
_____🇳🇱Zirkzee_____________🏴Johnson
Subs
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🇺🇦 Ilya Zabarnyi
🇪🇸 Aleix García
🇧🇷 Éderson
🇨🇲 Bryan Mbeumo
🇺🇦 Artem Dovbyk
Captain - Laimer
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Szoboszlai
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Williams on for Dedic
Mbeumo on for Zirkzee
Dovbyk on for Johnson
UNITED VS spurs
-------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Thuram----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Saka--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Savio, Sesko
CK'S - SAKA
FK'S - SAKA
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Scalvini in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Thuram
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. Thuram 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. Thuram will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Saka + Doku
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. Saka will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Sesko for Hojlund and Thuram 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.
---------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Scalvini-------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Saka--------Sesko------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Saka and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
----------------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Thuram-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Sesko for Saka and Doku.
------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Thuram-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Sesko---------------------------
NEWCASTLE UNITED v Watford
Injuries: Smalling, Gallagher, Lewandowski, Baleba
----------------------- Oblak
Walker - Rudiger - Min-Jae - Mendy
----------------- Tchouameni
------- De Bruyne ------ Gundogan
Salah ------------------------------------ Diaz
-------------------- Openda
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Palhinha, Modric, Son, Sane, Toney
----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Watford, our back four and DM should keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 in possession and a 4-5-1 out of possession, Oblak in goal, Rudiger and Min-Jae at centreback, Kyle Walker and Ferland Mendy at fullback, Tchouameni the sole sitting DM, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan transitioning from midfield to attack, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz either side of Lois Openda upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Watford are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Oblak - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Openda.
Rudiger/Min-Jae - Min-Jae to mark their stiker, bully him and force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rudiger to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and to their runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Walker/Mendy - Both of you to force the Watford wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have the ball in our own half, move infield either side of Tchouameni to give him passing options, in attack push forward and overlap Salah/Diaz as they will try to drag the fullback infield, and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Openda, and link with De Bruyne and Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Tchouameni - Playing in front of the back four, patrol the midfield and prevent Watford from being able to play in the gaps between midfield and defence. Cut passing lanes, and utilise your physicality when required. In possession, look for Walker and Mendy either side of you, and De Bruyne and Gundogan ahead of you. No need to get forward, apart for setpieces on occasion.
De Bruyne/Gundogan - Both playing in central midfield but both able to stray into the AM role when required, without the ball form a midfield trio either side of Tchouameni, in possession you both have the freedom to be creative, link the defence and attack, and be match winners. Both of you to primarily work deeper, pick up the ball from Walker/Mendy/Tchouameni and look for Salah/Diaz/Openda making runs, ball retention is key to us winning today. Gundogan to be the one who tries to play in the gaps, by making runs you can either drag midfielders out of position to leave more space for De Bruyne, or defenders out of position to create space for Salah/Diaz/Openda to move into and have chances. In possession look for the final ball, but don't force it. Ball retention is still key.
Salah/Diaz - Both playing as inverted wingers, you will have Walker and Mendy overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Openda and the advancing midfielders with chances, and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Bruyne and Gundogan will be vital, and look to capitalise on the space Openda's presence will create for you. Without the ball, drop back to form a midfield five either side of De Bruyne, Tchouameni and Gundogan to make it hard for Watford to break us down.
Openda - You will be expected to occupy the Watford centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Try and swap with Salah and Diaz on occasion to drag the centre backs apart and leave space for De Bruyne/Gundogan to get forward into. Expect plenty of through balls from De Bruyne/Gundogan, and don't be afraid to take chances first time to limit their defence being able to recover and block attempts.
------------------
Substitutions;
If winning at 70 mins: Salah, Diaz and Gundogan off, Sane, Son and Palhinha on. Change to a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1, with Palhinha a second DM alongside Tchouameni, De Bruyne just ahead of the pair, Sane to RM and Son to LM. Absorb pressure, look to run the clock down by retaining possession, and utilise the fresh legs out wide and the pace of Openda down the middle to counter attack.
If drawing at 70 mins: Openda, Diaz and Gundogan off, Toney, Son and Sane on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Tchouameni the DM, Sane - KDB - Son behind a front two of Toney and Salah, try to create a winner and utilise your skills against a tiring Watford defence.
If losing at 70 mins: Gundogan, Tchouameni and Min-Jae off, Toney, Modric and Sane on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Modric in the quarterback role. Push for goals.
----------------- Oblak
-- Walker - Rudiger - Mendy
---------------- Modric
Salah - Sane - De Bruyne - Diaz
---------- Openda - Toney
Setpieces:
Corners: De Bruyne
Penalties: Toney, Salah or Openda (in that order depending on who's on the pitch)
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Arsenal defence. The formation gives a free role to Kvarat, we give him freedom to exploit the space between their midfield and defence, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Mac Allister, Valverde and Musiala have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Valverde and Musiala have the stamina, pace and intelligence on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Musiala comes inside next to Mac, giving Valverde freedom to attack and link with TAA, Kvarat and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across next to the deep lying Mac Allister, providing a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Mac Allister provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Valverde and Musiala offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Mac and Trent (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Arsenal.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Kvarat given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
————————————— Alisson
Trent.A —— Marquinhos —— J.Stones —— Theo.H
———— Valverde ——Mac Allister —— Musiala
——————————— Kvaratskhelia ——————
———————— Osimhen ——— A.Isak
Subs. Sanchez, Militao, Wharton, Olise, E.Eze, A.Gordon, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Kvarat is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Stones who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Mac plays as dm, Valverde and Musiala set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Kvarat zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Kvarat giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Mac to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs. Olise right 10, Kvarat left 10.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Wharton for Musiala.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. 4-2-3-1. Kvarat left, Musiala central.
If losing or drawing after 72 mins bring on Eze for Musiala.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Trent. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb.
Watford: League Week 14: HOME vs Brentford
Captain: Collins
Vice Captain: Fernández
Team:
-----------------Verbruggen
Bradley----Collins--Beraldo----Vanderlan
-------------------Fernández
----------------Jones---White
Prestianni------------------------------Magno
--------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bento, Esquerdinha, Quansah, Redondo, Price, Guilherme, Leonardo
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: Verbruggen 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: Fernández 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. Jones and White will play just in front of Fernández. Jones will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. White 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 Prestianni and Magno 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 White, Jones and Ferguson 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 Jones may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson 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: Jones, Magno or Prestianni with Collins, Beraldo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Magno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Ferguson
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Leonardo for Ferguson and Guilherme for Prestianni, 2 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Guilherme for Jones and Leonardo for Prestianni. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Leonardo and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Fernández
Guilherme--White--- Magno
------Ferguson---Leonardo
UNITED VS newcastle
-----------------------------------Mamardashvili--------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Inacio---------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Thuram----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Saka--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Savio, Sesko
CK'S - SAKA
FK'S - SAKA
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Inacio in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Thuram
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. Thuram 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. Thuram will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Saka + Doku
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. Saka will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Sesko for Hojlund and Thuram 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.
------------------------------Mamardashvili-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Inacio------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Saka--------Sesko------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Saka and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
-----------------------------------Mamardashvili-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Inacio----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Thuram-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Sesko for Saka and Doku.
------------------------------------Mamardashvili-------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Inacio----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Thuram-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Sesko---------------------------
------------------------- 🏴 Pickford -------------------------
🇫🇷 Kounde -- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk --- 🇮🇹 Bastoni -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
------------------------- 🇪🇨 Caicedo -------------------------
🏴 Palmer -- 🇳🇱 X.Simons --- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -- 🇫🇷 Barcola
----------------------- 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic ------------------------
Subs:
Pavard, Porro, Joao Gomes, Raphinha, Nkunku, Dybala, G.Jesus
Captain: Van Dijk
Free Kicks: Wirtz
Penalties: Palmer
Corners: Wirtz
We go with an attacking 4-1-4-1 in today’s match up.
A few tweaks to our normal line up as we look to keep things fresh. A solid back 4 which can evolve into a back 3 to enable Maatsen to push forward down the left. When he does Kounde will play RCB in a back three as Van Dijk sits in the middle and Bastoni drifts across to LCB covering the space vacated by Maatsen.
Caicedo comes into the side at DM bringing his workrate and ball winning ability. In Wirtz and Simons we have two of the next gen’s finest, real technicians on the ball we want them to work in tandem with Caicedo to retain the ball, keep recycling as we draw the opposition out, move them out of position creating gaps in their defence with all three of Caicedo, Wirtz & Simons capable of threading the ball through the eye of needle with that killer pass in the final third.
Palmer and Barcola flank the young AM duo, real pace and positivity as we go at them from the off, they’ll look to stretch the field and test the opposition players appetite to track back. We push forward in numbers, confident in the ball retention ability of our midfield technicians and always ready to pounce on an opening in their backline. Stationed up top on the right Palmer has license to cut inside, when he does Simons will drift to the right opening up space for Palmer in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to Simons on the flank allows the youngsters to whip in a delicious ball for Vlahovic to attack. Similarly Barcola has license to do the same on the other flank with Wirtz drifting wide, with the German currently in scintillating form in the final third.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Van Dijk and Bastoni, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
We look to this attacking quartet to take us to the victory with the big man up top Vlahovic likely to be in heaven with the service around him and a man in fine form we fancy him to thrive.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Pickford
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Simons Caicedo Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Barcola
With our midfielders dropping slightly deeper as we look to win back possession and hit them on the counter.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Van Dijk and Bastoni, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Van Dijk will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Bastoni next to him to act as cover.
Our fullbacks have slightly different roles. The opposition tend to be stronger down the left and therefore we go with the defensively superior Kounde. Strong and more importantly quick he’s the perfect player to eliminate the pace of their winger. On the opposite flank we have the more attacking Maatsen, with a wand of a left foot he’ll have license to push forward more and whip balls in from the left for our striker to bury.
Midfield:
Caicedo will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons. He’ll be our shield in the middle of the park.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
Forwards:
In attack we have the perfect blend of pace, power and creativity in abundance.
Palmer on the right has license to cut inside on that wand of a left foot and will thrive linking up with our AM’s in the middle. Quick one two’s should open up space on the edge of the box with the young Englishman lethal when presented with half a chance. He also has license to drift as our AM's are interchangeable, making them almost impossible to man mark with each as deadly as the other when finding themselves in pockets of space with the ball at their feet. Handbrake is taken off as they are given the freedom to show off their attacking prowess with our DM sitting back offering a protective shield in front of our defence.
On the opposite flank Barcola offers a bundle of pace and energy, he’ll look to be direct and take on his man down the byline before whipping in a cross for Vlahovic to attack. His rapid pace also makes him a threat in behind as he’ll look to stretch their defence with Simon’s and Wirtz capable of cutting open their backline with their through balls for Barcola to run onto.
Vlahovic is the perfect target man, big and strong he’s capable of holding the ball up allowing our attacking quartet to get up and support. We want him to pin back their CB’s opening up space on the edge of the box for the likes of Palmer, Wirtz and Simons to get off a shot at goal.
In the area we want him to attack the 6 yard box with crosses being whipped in from out wide and slide rule balls from our AM’s ensuring our number 9 will get plenty of service as he looks to continue his fine goalscoring form.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Simons off, Joao Gomes on. 4-2-3-1 with Wirtz playing at #10
80 mins: Barcola off, Nkunku on. Fresh legs as we look to pick them off on the break.
85 mins: Vlahovic off, Nkunku on.
If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Kounde off, Porro on. More attacking RB.
65 mins: Barcola off, Nkunku on.
75 mins: Simons off, Dybala on, Attacking 4-2-2-2. Caicedo & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Nkunku as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Simons will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
Pickford
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Palmer Caicedo Wirtz Barcola
Vlahovic
FB – Porro
CB - Pavard
CM – J.Gomes
WG – Nkunku
CF - Dybala
Watford v BRENTFORD
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Tiago Santos
Amar Dedic
Konrad Laimer
Aleix García
____________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇳🇱J.Timber_🇺🇦Zabarnyi_🇮🇹Calafiori_🇺🇦Mykolenko
______________🇷🇸Ilić________🇧🇷Éderson
____________🇭🇺Szoboszlai_____🇺🇦Mudryk
___________🇳🇱Zirkzee___________🏴Johnson
Subs:
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🏴 Ethan Ampadu
🇳🇱 Quinten Timber
🇺🇦 Viktor Tsygankov
🇺🇦 Georgiy Sudakov
🇺🇦 Artem Dovbyk
Captain - Szoboszlai
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Zirkzee
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Sudakov on for Mudryk
Dovbyk on for Johnson
---------------------- E.Martinez ----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - N.Mendes
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice -----------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ---------------------
----- Alvarez ---------------------------- Mbappe -----
----------------------- E.Haaland -----------------------
Carnesecchi, M.Olivera, A.Varela, Bergvall, R.Leao, G.Ramos, Odobert
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Spurs, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Mendes, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Mendes goes the most supporting Mbappe they will link up well leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Mendes goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder the Arsenal man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Haaland in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Haaland, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude 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, 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 and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Haaland/Mbappe
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Leao for Mendes he goes to LW, Mbappe up top 3412
After 72 Mins - Bergvall for Enzo, he will sit along side Bellingham a bit further up than Enzo, looking to open up the defence, Odobert for Alvarez at the same time
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Olivera for Mendes more defence minded v a replacement winger, Varela for Enzo
After 80 Mins - Bergvall for Alvarez, sit in an inside wide role to help stifle their midfield
Drawing -
After 70 Mins - Bergvall for Enzo, Jude drop back, Bergvall into a free role(No.10), Leao for Alvarez he goes to LW, Mbappe to RW
------------------------ D.Raya -------------------------
Vanderson - J.Anderson - Boungiorno - Robertson
--------------- B.Kamara --- Doug Luiz ---------------
----------------------- Gallagher ------------------------
----- F.Torres ---------------------------- L.Bailey -----
----------------------- O.Watkins ------------------------
Bazanu, Guehi, Wieffer, P.Goncalves, Adingra, Mittlestadt, Guirassy
A solid back 4 with Anderson looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Boungiorno alongside, again a very tough, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Anderson if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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 but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 2 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, Kamara will be there snapping at his heals, D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Gallagher will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, Ferran comes inside alot, Bailey to the outside, at times they will 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. I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, always dragging players away to make space for himself and others, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with the 3 behind buzzing around.
Captain - Dougls Luiz
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Guirassy for Gallagher, Goncalves for D.Luiz, Goncalves on for his passing ability lookking to get something out of the front 2/4, Guirassy to add some power and height up top
After 75 Mins - Odobert for Ferran
Winning -
After 75 Mins - M.Wieffer for Gallagher, he will sit behind the midfield 2 as an anchor
83 Mins - Goncalves for D.Luiz,Guirassy for Watkins
Drawing -
After 70 Mins - Goncalves for Gallagher, Adingra for Ferran, Guirassy for Watkins
Red Card
Raya - Bazanu on, Gallagher off
FB - Mittlestadt on, Gallagher off
CB - Guehi on, Gallagher off
Kamara - Luiz becomes the DM
Luiz - Gallagher drops back
Winger - Adingra on, Gallagher off
Watkins - Guirassy on, Gallagher off
have a flat midfield 4 in a 441
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Tactics
Page 71 of 77
72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76
posted on 27/5/24
-------------------------- D.Raya ---------------------------
Vanderson - Marc. Guehi - Branthwaite - Mittelstädt
---------------- Doug Luiz --- B.Kamara -----------------
L.Bailey ------------ B.Fernandes ------------- Grealish
------------------------ O.Watkins -------------------------
M.Bulka, J.Anderson, Wieffer, McGinn, Ferran, Kudus, Guirassy
A solid back 4 with Branthwaite looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Guehi alongside, again a very tough, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Branthwaite if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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 but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 2 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, Kamara will be there snapping at his heals, D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Bruno will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, Grealish comes inside alot, Bailey to the outside, at times they will 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. I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, always dragging players away to make space for himself and others, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with the 3 behind buzzing around.
Captain - Dougls Luiz
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 70 Mins - Guirassy, Kudus for Bailey and Bruno 442/424 a it more direct to the big man up top, McGinn for Kamara
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Wieffer for Bruno, sit in midfield, Kamara drop in between the lines, Kudus for Bailey
80 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins
Drawing -
70 Mins - Kudus for Bruno, Ferran for Bailey, Guirassy for Grealish(Watkins to LW), Guirassy No9, mix it up a little up top
posted on 27/5/24
---------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - M. Olivera
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice -----------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ---------------------
----- Alvarez ----------------------------- R.Leao -----
----------------------- E.Haaland -----------------------
Carnesecchi, N.Mendes, A.Varela, Echeverri, Diaby, Solanke, Can Uzun
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Villa, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Olivera is a good defender, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Olivera goes the most supporting Leao, leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Olivera goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder he is a bit of a thug so the Brentford man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Haaland in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Haaland, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude 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, 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 and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Solanke for Enzo, Jude drop in beside Rice, Solanke up top, Diaby for Alvarez
75 Mins - Can Uzun for Olivera, he plays just in behind the two up top 3412 or 3232 when attacking
Drawing -
70 Mins - Can Uzun for Enzo, Jude goes in mifield beside Rice, Uzun plays just off Haaland's shoulder, Diaby for Alvarez, Mendes for Olivera
Winning -
75 Mins - Varela for Enzo, a lot more bite to him and will take the role of Man Marking from Rice, Diaby for Alvarez
80 Mins - N.Mendes for Leao
posted on 28/5/24
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Leon Goretzka
Benoît Badiashile
Artem Dovbyk
Amar Dedic
_____________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇳🇱J.Timber_🇺🇦Zabarnyi__🏴Chalobah_🇺🇦Mykolenko
___________🇦🇹Laimer______🇳🇱 Q. Timber
__________🇭🇺Szoboszlai______🇺🇦Mudryk
_________🇳🇱Zirkzee____________🇸🇳Jackson
Subs
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🇺🇦 Mykola Matvienko
🇺🇦 Oleksandr Zinchenko
🏴 Ethan Ampadu
🇺🇦 Georgiy Sudakov
🏴 Brennan Johnson
Captain - Laimer
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Szoboszlai
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Williams on for J. Timber
Sudakov on for Mudryk
Johnson on for Jackson
posted on 28/5/24
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Brentford defence. The formation gives a free role to Foden, Brentford have an attacking team so we give Foden freedom to exploit this, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Musiala, Rodri and Valverde have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Valverde and Musiala have the power and energy on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Musiala comes inside next to Rodri, giving Valverde freedom to attack and link with TAA, Foden and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across and a dm in Rodri, provide a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Rodri provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Valverde and Musiala offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Foden and Livramento (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Brentford.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Foden given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
——————————————— Alisson
Livramento — Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
—————— Valverde ——— Rodri —— Musiala
—————————————— P.Foden ——————
—————————— Osimhen —— A.Isak
Subs. Henderson, Stones, Mac Allister, Olise, Eze, Kvaratskhelia, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Foden is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Valverde and Musiala set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Foden zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Foden giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Rodri to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Kvaratshkelia for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Mac Allister for Musiala. Fresh energy in cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise and Kvaratskhelia for Musiala and Isak. 4-2-3-1.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Livramento. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb.
posted on 29/5/24
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
-------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Gravenberch----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Savio--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Mamardashvili, Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Madueke, Tel
CK'S - SAVIO
FK'S - SAVIO
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Scalvini in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Gravenberch
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. Gravenberch 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. Gravenberch will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Savio + Doku
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. Savio will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Tel for Hojlund and Gravenberch 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.
---------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Scalvini-------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Savio--------Tel------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Savio and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
----------------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Gravenberch-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Tel for Savio and Doku.
------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Gravenberch-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Tel---------------------------
*RED CARD SCENARIO*
Change formation to 342 in all scenarios with Doku partnering Hojlund in strike.
If the GK gets sent off take off Savio and put on Mamardashvili in goal.
If any of the CB's get sent off take off Savio and put on Diomande at CB.
If any of the wingbacks get sent off take off Savio and put on Rico Lewis at wingback.
If any of my CM's get sent off take off Savio and put on Doue in CM.
If any of the front 3 get sent off leave things be.
posted on 29/5/24
Watford: League Week 12: Home vs Man City
Captain: Collins
Vice Captain: André
Team:
-----------------Verbruggen
Wesley---Collins—Murillo---Vanderlan
-------------------André
---------------Price---White
Prestianni-------------------------Edwards
--------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bento, Esquerdinha, Quansah, Redondo, Hugo, Guilherme, Leonardo
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: Verbruggen 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: André 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. Price and White will play just in front of André. Price will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. White 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 Prestianni and Edwards 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 White, Price and Ferguson 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 Price may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson 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: Price, Edwards or Prestianni with Collins, Murillo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Edwards (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Ferguson
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Leonardo for Ferguson and Guilherme for Prestianni, 2 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Guilherme for Price and Leonardo for Prestianni. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Leonardo and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
----------------André
Guilherme--White--- Edwards
------Ferguson---Leonardo
posted on 29/5/24
Man City
---------------------- 🏴 Johnstone -------------------------
🇫🇷 Kounde -- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk -- 🇮🇹 Bastoni -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
------------------------- 🇮🇹 Tonali ---------------------------
🏴 Palmer -- 🇳🇱 X.Simons -- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -- 🇧🇷 Raphinha
---------------------- 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic -------------------------
Subs:
Pavard, Porro, Caicedo, P.Neto, Nkunku, Dybala, G.Jesus
Captain: Van Dijk
Free Kicks: Wirtz
Penalties: Palmer
Corners: Wirtz
We look to have a bit of fun and go with an attacking 4-1-4-1 in today’s match up.
A few tweaks to our normal line up as we look to keep things fresh. A solid back 4 which can evolve into a back 3 to enable Maatsen to push forward down the left. When he does Kounde will play RCB in a back three as Van Dijk sits in the middle and Bastoni drifts across to LCB covering the space vacated by Maatsen.
Tonali comes into the side at DM due to his top class ball retention. In Wirtz and Simons we have two of the next gen’s finest, real technicians on the ball we want them to work in tandem with Tonali to retain the ball, keep recycling as we draw the opposition out, move them out of position creating gaps in their defence with all three of Tonali, Wirtz & Simons capable of threading the ball through the eye of needle with that killer pass in the final third.
Palmer and Raphinha flank the young AM duo, real pace and positivity as we go at them from the off, they’ll look to stretch the field and test the opposition players appetite to track back. We push forward in numbers, confident in the ball retention ability of our midfield technicians and always ready to pounce on an opening in their backline.
We look to this attacking quartet to take us to the victory with the big man up top Vlahovic likely to be in heaven with the service around him and a man in fine form we fancy him to thrive.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Johnstone
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Simons Tonali Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Raphinha
With our midfielders dropping slightly deeper as we look to win back possession and hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Van Dijk will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Bastoni next to him to act as cover.
Our fullbacks have slightly different roles. The opposition tend to be stronger down the left and therefore we go with the defensively superior Kounde. Strong and more importantly quick he’s the perfect player to eliminate the pace of their winger. On the opposite flank we have the more attacking Maatsen, with a wand of a left foot he’ll have license to push forward more and whip balls in from the left for our striker to bury.
Midfield:
Tonali will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons. He’ll be our shield in the middle of the park.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
Forwards:
In attack we have the perfect blend of pace, power and creativity in abundance.
Palmer on the right has license to cut inside on that wand of a left foot and will thrive linking up with our AM’s in the middle. Quick one two’s should open up space on the edge of the box with the young Englishman lethal when presented with half a chance. He also has license to drift as our AM's are interchangeable, making them almost impossible to man mark with each as deadly as the other when finding themselves in pockets of space with the ball at their feet. Handbrake is taken off as they are given the freedom to show off their attacking prowess with our DM sitting back offering a protective shield in front of our defence.
On the opposite flank Raphinha offers a bundle of pace and energy, he’ll look to be direct and take on his man down the byline before whipping in a cross for Vlahovic to attack. His rapid pace also makes him a threat in behind as he’ll look to stretch their defence with Simon’s and Wirtz capable of cutting open their backline with their through balls for Raphina to run onto.
Vlahovic is the perfect target man, big and strong he’s capable of holding the ball up allowing our attacking quartet to get up and support. We want him to pin back their CB’s opening up space on the edge of the box for the likes of Palmer, Wirtz and Simons to get off a shot at goal.
In the area we want him to attack the 6 yard box with crosses being whipped in from out wide and slide rule balls from our AM’s ensuring our number 9 will get plenty of service as he looks to continue his fine goalscoring form.
Subs:
If winning:
65 mins: Simons off, Caicedo on. 4-2-3-1
75 mins: Raphinha off, P.Neto on. Fresh legs.
85 mins: Vlahovic off, Nkunku on.
If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Kounde off, Porro on. More attacking RB.
65 mins: Raphinha off, Dybala on.
75 mins: Simons off, Nkunku on, Attacking 4-2-2-2. Tonali & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Nkunku as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
posted on 29/5/24
Tottenham v NEWCASTLE UNITED
Injuries: Guerreiro, Barnes, Walker, Lamptey
----------------------- Oblak
Gomez - Rudiger - Min-Jae - Mendy
----------------- Tchouameni
------- De Bruyne ----- Gallagher
Salah ------------------------------------ Diaz
-------------------- Openda
Subs: Kelleher, Tapsoba, Palhinha, Isco, Son, Sane, Lewandowski
----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Spurs, our back four and DM should keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 in possession and a 4-5-1 out of possession, Oblak in goal, Rudiger and Min-Jae at centreback, Joe Gomez and Ferland Mendy at fullback, Tchouameni the sole sitting DM, Kevin De Bruyne and Conor Gallagher transitioning from midfield to attack, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz either side of Lois Openda upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Spurs are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Oblak - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Openda.
Rudiger/Min-Jae - Min-Jae to mark their stiker, bully him and force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rudiger to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and to their runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Gomez/Mendy - Both of you to force the Spurs wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have the ball in our own half, move infield either side of Tchouameni to give him passing options, in attack push forward and overlap Salah/Diaz as they will try to drag the fullback infield, and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Openda, and link with De Bruyne and Gallagher. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Tchouameni - Playing in front of the back four, patrol the midfield and prevent Spurs from being able to play in the gaps between midfield and defence. Cut passing lanes, and utilise your physicality when required. In possession, look for Gomez and Mendy either side of you, and De Bruyne and Gallagher ahead of you. No need to get forward, apart for setpieces on occasion.
De Bruyne/Gallagher - Both playing in central midfield but both able to stray into the AM role when required, without the ball form a midfield trio either side of Tchouameni, in possession you both have the freedom to be creative, link the defence and attack, and be match winners. Both of you to primarily work deeper, pick up the ball from Gomez/Mendy/Tchouameni and look for Salah/Diaz/Openda making runs, ball retention is key to us winning today. Gallagher to be the one who tries to play in the gaps, by making runs you can either drag midfielders out of position to leave more space for De Bruyne, or defenders out of position to create space for Salah/Diaz/Openda to move into and have chances. In possession look for the final ball, but don't force it. Ball retention is still key.
Salah/Diaz - Both playing as inverted wingers, you will have Gomez and Mendy overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Openda and the advancing midfielders with chances, and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Bruyne and Gallagher will be vital, and look to capitalise on the space Openda's presence will create for you. Without the ball, drop back to form a midfield five either side of De Bruyne, Tchouameni and Gallagher to make it hard for Spurs to break us down.
Openda - You will be expected to occupy the Spurs centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Try and swap with Salah and Diaz on occasion to drag the centre backs apart and leave space for De Bruyne/Gallagher to get forward into. Expect plenty of through balls from De Bruyne/Gallagher, and don't be afraid to take chances first time to limit their defence being able to recover and block attempts.
------------------
Substitutions;
If winning at 70 mins: Salah, Diaz and De Bruyne off, Sane, Son and Palhinha on. Change to a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1, with Palhinha a second DM alongside Tchouameni, Gallagher just ahead of the pair, Sane to RM and Som to LM. Absorb pressure, look to run the clock down by retaining possession, and utilise the fresh legs out wide and the pace of Openda down the middle to counter attack.
If drawing at 70 mins: Openda, Diaz and Gallagher off, Lewandowski, Son and Sane on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Tchouameni the DM, Sane - KDB - Son behind a front two of Lewandowski and Salah, try to create a winner and utilise your skills against a tiring Spurs defence.
If losing at 70 mins: Gallagher, Tchouameni and Min-Jae off, Lewandowski, Isco and Sane on. Change to 3-1-4-2, De Bruyne in the quarterback role. Push for goals.
--------------- Oblak
Gomez - Rudiger - Mendy
----------- De Bruyne
Salah - Sane - Isco - Diaz
- Lewandowski - Openda
Setpieces:
Corners: De Bruyne or Gallagher
Penalties: Lewandowski, Salah or Openda (in that order depending on who's on the pitch)
posted on 4/6/24
Week 13
posted on 4/6/24
------------------------- D.Raya --------------------------
Vanderson - Marc Guehi - Branthwaite - Robertson
------- Doug Luiz --- B.Kamara --- J. McGinn --------
L.Bailey ---------------------------------------- Grealish
----------------------- O.Watkins ------------------------
Bazanu, Boungiorno, Wieffer, D.Olmo, B.Fernandes, Kudus, Guirassy
We need to be patient, we have 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, obvs up against it and possibly 2 top strikers so stay compact in the midfield and dont allow them the time or space to get it upto the front 2
A solid back 4 with Branthwaite looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Guehi alongside, again a very touch, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Branthwaite if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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, midfield will help them keep the strikers away from danger hopefully
Fullbacks will attack one at a time, look for the one/two with the winger ahead or the midfielder inside, but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 3 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes he will be there snapping at his heals, he doesnt venture very far from hwere he need to be thus giving support to the back line. D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball. McGinn will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence in the trio with Kamara and Luiz it is very solid, just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, at times they will 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. move to a flat midfeld 5 when they have the ball to create as little space as possible, I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking, a tough shift for te wingers but they will cope
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with Grealish, McGinn and Bailey buzzing around.
Captain - McGinn
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Boungiorno for McGinn, go to CB middle of the 3, Vanderson and Robertson push on into midfield, Guirassy for Bailey, Bruno for Grealish 3412 Bruno at 10, Guirassy up top with something to aim for
Drawing -
After 65 Mins - Kudus for Bailey, Bruno for McGinn, he will go to AM
75 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Guirassy for Watkins, Wieffer for McGinn
85 Mins - Kudus for Bailey
posted on 4/6/24
---------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - N. Mendes
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice ------------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ----------------------
----- Alvarez ----------------------------- R. Leao -----
------------------------ G.Ramos ------------------------
Carnesecchi, M.Olivera, J.Guerra, Koopmeiners, Can Uzun, Solanke, Hakimi
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Arsenal, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Mendes, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Mendes goes the most supporting Leao they will link up well knowing each others style of play from Portugal, leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Mendes goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Ramos or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder the Arsenal man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Ramos in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Ramos, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Ramos will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude more time and space to pick there moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to Ramos who can beat any defender with power/pace, 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 Ramos, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Ramos/Leao
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing - After 65 Mins - Ben White to RCB, Mendes to LM, Leao up top with Alvarez, Hakimi for Ramos 3412, Hakimi to RM, Koopmeiners for Enzo, more creativity
75 Mins - Solanke for Leao
Drawing
After 70 Mins - Odobert for Ramos, he goes to RM, Alvarez up top, Koopmeiners for Enzo, Hakimi for White, more attacking
Winning -
After 75 Mins - M.Olivera for Mendes better defensively, J.Guerra for Enzo fresh legs, Solanke for Ramos
posted on 4/6/24
Red Card
All scenarios apart form Jude red, Ramos off Bellingham to False 9
Martinez - Carnesecchi on
White - Hakimi on
Mendes - Olivera on
CB - Romero on
Enzo/Rice - Guerra on
Alvarez - Hakimi on
Leao - Olivera on and to LB, Mendes to LM
Ramos - Bellingham to false 9
posted on 5/6/24
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Brentford defence. The formation gives a free role to Foden, Brentford have an attacking team so we give Foden freedom to exploit this, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Mac Allister, Rodri and Eze have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Mac Allister have the stamina and intelligence on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Eze comes inside next to Rodri, giving Mac Allister freedom to attack and link with TAA, Foden and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across and a dm in Rodri, provide a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Rodri provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Mac Allister and Eze offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Foden Eze, Mac and Trent (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Villa.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Foden given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
————————————— Alisson
Trent.A —— Marquinhos —— J.Stones —— Theo.H
———— Mac Allister —— Rodri ——— E.Eze
————————————— P.Foden ——————
————————— Osimhen —— A.Isak
Subs. Sanchez, Militao, Wharton, Ugarte, Olise, Felix, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Foden is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Stones who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Mac and Eze set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Foden zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Foden giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Rodri to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Wharton for Eze. Left footer and fresh legs at lcm
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise and Felix for Eze and Isak. 4-2-3-1. Foden left.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Mac Allister. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb. Trent rcm.
posted on 5/6/24
Watford: League Week 13 AWAY to Newcastle
Captain: André
Vice-Captain: Bento
------------------Bento
Bradley---Collins--Murillo--Vanderlan
--------------André--Jones
-------------------White
Edwards-----------------------------Magno
-------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Verbruggen, Wesley Vinícius, Quansah, Redondo, Hugo, Ensico, Leonardo
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with André as the holding/defensive midfielder who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Jones). In front of them White will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Jones will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with White and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Bento is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with André as the one holding/defensive midfielder. He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Jones). 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 White will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Edwards and Magno 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 White, Jones and Ferguson 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 Jones may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: White, Magno or Edwards with Collins, Murillo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Magno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Quansah for Collins, Redondo for André and Leonardo for Ferguson.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Jones with Leonardo and Edwards with Ensico. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------André
Ensico---White---Magno
--------Leonardo--Ferguson
posted on 5/6/24
Man City
----------------------- 🇮🇹 Donnarumma -----------------------
🇪🇸 P.Porro -- 🇫🇷 J.Kounde --- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
-------------------------- 🇮🇹 Tonali ----------------------------
---------------- 🇳🇱 X.Simons --- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -----------------
---- 🏴 C.Palmer --------------------------- 🇫🇷 Nkunku ----
------------------------ 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic -------------------------
Subs:
Johnstone, Pavard, Caicedo, Barcola, Raphinha, Dybala, G.Jesus
We look to have a bit of fun and go with an attacking 4-3-3 in today’s match up.
Built on a solid back 4 we go with a young midfield trio full of energy supplying our front 3 as we go in search of goals.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Donnarumma
Porro Kounde Van Dijk Maatsen
Simons Tonali Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Nkunku
With Simons & Wirtz dropping in alongside Tonali they’ll provide support in behind our wingers. If the opposition get the ball out wide we want our outside CM’s to engage them, working in tandem with our FB’s to win back possession.
This tactic removes the responsibility of Palmer & Nkunku having to track back, instead with want them to play in the half spaces between their defence and midfield, cutting out the passing lanes from their CB’s to FB’s and forcing the opposition to go long. Increasing the chances of them losing possession and being perfectly placed for us to them hit them on the counter.
Stationed up top on the right Palmer has license to cut inside, when he does Simons will drift to the right opening up space for Palmer in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to Simons on the flank allows the youngsters to whip in a delicious ball for Vlahovic to attack. Similarly Nkunku has license to do the same on the other flank with Wirtz drifting wide, with the German currently in scintillating form in the final third.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Kounde and Van Dijk, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Kounde will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Van Dijk next to him to act and cover and sweeping up any balls in behind.
Our fullbacks have license to get forward with Porro and Maatsen offering us some natural width on the flanks and both have superb delivery in the final third as they look to whip balls in from out wide for Vlahovic to attack.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Tonali will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
They’ll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal.
Forwards:
We go with a deadly attacking trident up top. Palmer and Nkunku play as inside forwards, both fantastic technicians capable of operating in tight spaces. They’ll look to play off the big man up top and both are deadly in and around the box.
With a dream supply line around him Vlahovic will be in his element. A real power forward he offers the dual threat of being deadly in the air and a natural born goalscorer with the ball at his feet.
He’ll be looking to do what he does best, get himself in the box and finish any chances that come his way.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Simons off, Caicedo on. Tonali & Caicedo as dual DM’s. Wirtz moves to 10.
75 mins: Nkunku off, Barcola on. Fresh legs and an extra pace out wide.
85 mins: Porro off, Pavard on. Tighten up defensively at the back.
If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Nkunku off, Raphinha on. More pace and directness out wide.
75 mins: Simons off, Dybala on. Attacking 4-2-2-2. Tonali & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Raphinha playing as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
85 mins: Tonali off, Paqueta on. Extra creativity as we go for the winner.
posted on 6/6/24
Manchester City v BRENTFORD
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Georgiy Sudakov
Nicolas Jackson
Ethan Ampadu
Oleksandr Zinchenko
_________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇧🇦Dedic_🇳🇱J.Timber_🏴Chalobah_🇫🇷Locko
________🇦🇹Laimer______🇳🇱Q. Timber
______🇭🇺Szoboszlai_______🇺🇦Mudryk
_____🇳🇱Zirkzee_____________🏴Johnson
Subs
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🇺🇦 Ilya Zabarnyi
🇪🇸 Aleix García
🇧🇷 Éderson
🇨🇲 Bryan Mbeumo
🇺🇦 Artem Dovbyk
Captain - Laimer
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Szoboszlai
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Williams on for Dedic
Mbeumo on for Zirkzee
Dovbyk on for Johnson
posted on 6/6/24
UNITED VS spurs
-------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Thuram----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Saka--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Savio, Sesko
CK'S - SAKA
FK'S - SAKA
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Scalvini in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Thuram
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. Thuram 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. Thuram will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Saka + Doku
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. Saka will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Sesko for Hojlund and Thuram 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.
---------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Scalvini-------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Saka--------Sesko------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Saka and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
----------------------------------------Maignan-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Thuram-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Sesko for Saka and Doku.
------------------------------------Maignan---------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Scalvini----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Thuram-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Sesko---------------------------
posted on 6/6/24
NEWCASTLE UNITED v Watford
Injuries: Smalling, Gallagher, Lewandowski, Baleba
----------------------- Oblak
Walker - Rudiger - Min-Jae - Mendy
----------------- Tchouameni
------- De Bruyne ------ Gundogan
Salah ------------------------------------ Diaz
-------------------- Openda
Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Palhinha, Modric, Son, Sane, Toney
----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Watford, our back four and DM should keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-3-3 in possession and a 4-5-1 out of possession, Oblak in goal, Rudiger and Min-Jae at centreback, Kyle Walker and Ferland Mendy at fullback, Tchouameni the sole sitting DM, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan transitioning from midfield to attack, with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz either side of Lois Openda upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Watford are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Oblak - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Openda.
Rudiger/Min-Jae - Min-Jae to mark their stiker, bully him and force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rudiger to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and to their runners from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Walker/Mendy - Both of you to force the Watford wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have the ball in our own half, move infield either side of Tchouameni to give him passing options, in attack push forward and overlap Salah/Diaz as they will try to drag the fullback infield, and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Openda, and link with De Bruyne and Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Tchouameni - Playing in front of the back four, patrol the midfield and prevent Watford from being able to play in the gaps between midfield and defence. Cut passing lanes, and utilise your physicality when required. In possession, look for Walker and Mendy either side of you, and De Bruyne and Gundogan ahead of you. No need to get forward, apart for setpieces on occasion.
De Bruyne/Gundogan - Both playing in central midfield but both able to stray into the AM role when required, without the ball form a midfield trio either side of Tchouameni, in possession you both have the freedom to be creative, link the defence and attack, and be match winners. Both of you to primarily work deeper, pick up the ball from Walker/Mendy/Tchouameni and look for Salah/Diaz/Openda making runs, ball retention is key to us winning today. Gundogan to be the one who tries to play in the gaps, by making runs you can either drag midfielders out of position to leave more space for De Bruyne, or defenders out of position to create space for Salah/Diaz/Openda to move into and have chances. In possession look for the final ball, but don't force it. Ball retention is still key.
Salah/Diaz - Both playing as inverted wingers, you will have Walker and Mendy overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Openda and the advancing midfielders with chances, and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Bruyne and Gundogan will be vital, and look to capitalise on the space Openda's presence will create for you. Without the ball, drop back to form a midfield five either side of De Bruyne, Tchouameni and Gundogan to make it hard for Watford to break us down.
Openda - You will be expected to occupy the Watford centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Try and swap with Salah and Diaz on occasion to drag the centre backs apart and leave space for De Bruyne/Gundogan to get forward into. Expect plenty of through balls from De Bruyne/Gundogan, and don't be afraid to take chances first time to limit their defence being able to recover and block attempts.
------------------
Substitutions;
If winning at 70 mins: Salah, Diaz and Gundogan off, Sane, Son and Palhinha on. Change to a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1, with Palhinha a second DM alongside Tchouameni, De Bruyne just ahead of the pair, Sane to RM and Son to LM. Absorb pressure, look to run the clock down by retaining possession, and utilise the fresh legs out wide and the pace of Openda down the middle to counter attack.
If drawing at 70 mins: Openda, Diaz and Gundogan off, Toney, Son and Sane on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, Tchouameni the DM, Sane - KDB - Son behind a front two of Toney and Salah, try to create a winner and utilise your skills against a tiring Watford defence.
If losing at 70 mins: Gundogan, Tchouameni and Min-Jae off, Toney, Modric and Sane on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Modric in the quarterback role. Push for goals.
----------------- Oblak
-- Walker - Rudiger - Mendy
---------------- Modric
Salah - Sane - De Bruyne - Diaz
---------- Openda - Toney
Setpieces:
Corners: De Bruyne
Penalties: Toney, Salah or Openda (in that order depending on who's on the pitch)
posted on 11/6/24
4-3-1-2 High tempo possession
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with pace up top and width from fbs to stretch the game and get at the Arsenal defence. The formation gives a free role to Kvarat, we give him freedom to exploit the space between their midfield and defence, to find space and combine with the forwards.
Mac Allister, Valverde and Musiala have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Valverde and Musiala have the stamina, pace and intelligence on the ball and off it to help our fbs driving down the wings, and get back to support them defensively. When attacking down the right Musiala comes inside next to Mac, giving Valverde freedom to attack and link with TAA, Kvarat and Osimhen. With vice versa happening on the other side.
In attack the cm coming across next to the deep lying Mac Allister, providing a duo to provide control in cm to keep possession, and defensively provide great cover for the attacking fbs.
Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate. With a strong cm trio, we give Trent and Theo freedom to attack to get the best out of them.
Mac Allister provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, Valverde and Musiala offering quality in the box to box roles, bursting through the lines. With the width of fbs stretching the game, we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their defenders out of position.
We have a pacey and powerful team, and set pieces will also be a massive threat. Our whole team bar Mac and Trent (5’11) are 6ft or over, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully Arsenal.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cms, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play fast flowing football. Play out and around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing fast flowing football but varying the tempo when we need to slow down.
Kvarat given complete freedom in the opposition half to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen or Isak.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the forwards, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
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.
————————————— Alisson
Trent.A —— Marquinhos —— J.Stones —— Theo.H
———— Valverde ——Mac Allister —— Musiala
——————————— Kvaratskhelia ——————
———————— Osimhen ——— A.Isak
Subs. Sanchez, Militao, Wharton, Olise, E.Eze, A.Gordon, Gyokeres
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. Isak drops on the deepest cm, simply sticking to him, the 3 cms narrow to the side the opposition is attacking and Kvarat is central zonally, in a position to intercept, or quickly get out to the opposite fb if they go for a long shift.
Marquinhos the man marker next to Stones who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Mac plays as dm, Valverde and Musiala set up to the side of him, and just slightly ahead of him pressing the play in line of 3 cms. Kvarat zonal in a position to get to the opposite side, and Isak drops to simply sit on and mark their deepest cm. Isak and Kvarat giving our cms ability to press and narrow to the side opposition are attacking. In zones to stop their attacking midfielders and allowing Mac to cover or step in if one cm needs to step out to press or to help the fb.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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.
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 three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. Pace to burn against tired legs. Olise right 10, Kvarat left 10.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Wharton for Musiala.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Osimhen. Fresh pace against tired legs
If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise for Isak. 4-2-3-1. Kvarat left, Musiala central.
If losing or drawing after 72 mins bring on Eze for Musiala.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Gyokeres for Trent. 3-5-2. Theo as lcb.
posted on 11/6/24
Watford: League Week 14: HOME vs Brentford
Captain: Collins
Vice Captain: Fernández
Team:
-----------------Verbruggen
Bradley----Collins--Beraldo----Vanderlan
-------------------Fernández
----------------Jones---White
Prestianni------------------------------Magno
--------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bento, Esquerdinha, Quansah, Redondo, Price, Guilherme, Leonardo
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: Verbruggen 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: Fernández 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. Jones and White will play just in front of Fernández. Jones will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. White 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 Prestianni and Magno 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 White, Jones and Ferguson 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 Jones may sit a bit deeper allowing White 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.
Ferguson 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: Jones, Magno or Prestianni with Collins, Beraldo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. White and Magno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Ferguson
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Leonardo for Ferguson and Guilherme for Prestianni, 2 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Guilherme for Jones and Leonardo for Prestianni. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Leonardo and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Fernández
Guilherme--White--- Magno
------Ferguson---Leonardo
posted on 12/6/24
UNITED VS newcastle
-----------------------------------Mamardashvili--------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Inacio---------Hincapie-----------
------------------------Camavinga-----Thuram----------------------
Frimpong-------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Saka--------------Hojlund----------------Doku---------------
Subs - Diomande, R Lewis, Doue, Guler, Savio, Sesko
CK'S - SAKA
FK'S - SAKA
PENALTIES - HOJLUND
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. De Ven and Hincapie will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings using their super human pace and tackling ability. Inacio in the middle will marshall the defence and look to work together with his fellow CB's to stop the oppo attackers. Stay compact and not too far from each other so we can deal with any crosses into the area etc. 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
Frimpong and Gutierrez 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. De Ven and Hincapie 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..
Centre Mids
Camavinga + Thuram
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. Thuram 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. Thuram will look to use his technical ball playing ability to pass the ball forwards and to try and thread dangerous passes to unlock the oppo defence. I want the front three to be on the lookout for his passes. When out of possession drop deep and cover the central midfield space.
Wingers
Saka + Doku
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. Saka will be looking to cut in from the left and Doku 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 Hojlund 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
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund will be leading the line for us today. He has got the pace and strength 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. Use your physical power to hold the ball up and to bring others into the game. 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 75MINS
Put on Guler and Sesko for Hojlund and Thuram 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.
------------------------------Mamardashvili-----------------------
---------------De Ven--------Inacio------Hincapie----------
------------------------------------Cama--------------------------------------
Frimpong-----------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
----------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------Saka--------Sesko------Doku----------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Saka and put on Doue in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Guler for Doku to offer a more attacking presence up front.
-----------------------------------Mamardashvili-----------------------
------------------De Ven-----------Inacio----------Hincapie--------
Frimp----Doue---Camavinga----Thuram-----Gutierrez
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Guler-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Hojlund-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Switch formation to 3412 to confuse the oppo. Bring on Guler and Sesko for Saka and Doku.
------------------------------------Mamardashvili-------------------------------
---------------De Ven-----------Inacio----------Hincapie-----------
-----------------------Camavinga-----Thuram-----------------------
Frimpong------------------------------------------------------------Gutierrez
---------------------------------------Guler--------------------------------------
-------------------------Hojlund------------Sesko---------------------------
posted on 12/6/24
------------------------- 🏴 Pickford -------------------------
🇫🇷 Kounde -- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk --- 🇮🇹 Bastoni -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
------------------------- 🇪🇨 Caicedo -------------------------
🏴 Palmer -- 🇳🇱 X.Simons --- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -- 🇫🇷 Barcola
----------------------- 🇷🇸 D.Vlahovic ------------------------
Subs:
Pavard, Porro, Joao Gomes, Raphinha, Nkunku, Dybala, G.Jesus
Captain: Van Dijk
Free Kicks: Wirtz
Penalties: Palmer
Corners: Wirtz
We go with an attacking 4-1-4-1 in today’s match up.
A few tweaks to our normal line up as we look to keep things fresh. A solid back 4 which can evolve into a back 3 to enable Maatsen to push forward down the left. When he does Kounde will play RCB in a back three as Van Dijk sits in the middle and Bastoni drifts across to LCB covering the space vacated by Maatsen.
Caicedo comes into the side at DM bringing his workrate and ball winning ability. In Wirtz and Simons we have two of the next gen’s finest, real technicians on the ball we want them to work in tandem with Caicedo to retain the ball, keep recycling as we draw the opposition out, move them out of position creating gaps in their defence with all three of Caicedo, Wirtz & Simons capable of threading the ball through the eye of needle with that killer pass in the final third.
Palmer and Barcola flank the young AM duo, real pace and positivity as we go at them from the off, they’ll look to stretch the field and test the opposition players appetite to track back. We push forward in numbers, confident in the ball retention ability of our midfield technicians and always ready to pounce on an opening in their backline. Stationed up top on the right Palmer has license to cut inside, when he does Simons will drift to the right opening up space for Palmer in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to Simons on the flank allows the youngsters to whip in a delicious ball for Vlahovic to attack. Similarly Barcola has license to do the same on the other flank with Wirtz drifting wide, with the German currently in scintillating form in the final third.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Van Dijk and Bastoni, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
We look to this attacking quartet to take us to the victory with the big man up top Vlahovic likely to be in heaven with the service around him and a man in fine form we fancy him to thrive.
Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.
Pickford
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Simons Caicedo Wirtz
Palmer Vlahovic Barcola
With our midfielders dropping slightly deeper as we look to win back possession and hit them on the counter.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of Van Dijk and Bastoni, flanked by two flying fullbacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Van Dijk will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. He won’t however need to do it singlehandedly with the classy Bastoni next to him to act as cover.
Our fullbacks have slightly different roles. The opposition tend to be stronger down the left and therefore we go with the defensively superior Kounde. Strong and more importantly quick he’s the perfect player to eliminate the pace of their winger. On the opposite flank we have the more attacking Maatsen, with a wand of a left foot he’ll have license to push forward more and whip balls in from the left for our striker to bury.
Midfield:
Caicedo will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons. He’ll be our shield in the middle of the park.
In Xavi Simons and Florian Wirtz we have two of the most exciting youngsters in the world in the middle. Twin AM’s they provide a bundle of energy with both capable of cutting through the opposition. Goals, assists these boys can do it all as we give them the freedom to showcase their ability.
Forwards:
In attack we have the perfect blend of pace, power and creativity in abundance.
Palmer on the right has license to cut inside on that wand of a left foot and will thrive linking up with our AM’s in the middle. Quick one two’s should open up space on the edge of the box with the young Englishman lethal when presented with half a chance. He also has license to drift as our AM's are interchangeable, making them almost impossible to man mark with each as deadly as the other when finding themselves in pockets of space with the ball at their feet. Handbrake is taken off as they are given the freedom to show off their attacking prowess with our DM sitting back offering a protective shield in front of our defence.
On the opposite flank Barcola offers a bundle of pace and energy, he’ll look to be direct and take on his man down the byline before whipping in a cross for Vlahovic to attack. His rapid pace also makes him a threat in behind as he’ll look to stretch their defence with Simon’s and Wirtz capable of cutting open their backline with their through balls for Barcola to run onto.
Vlahovic is the perfect target man, big and strong he’s capable of holding the ball up allowing our attacking quartet to get up and support. We want him to pin back their CB’s opening up space on the edge of the box for the likes of Palmer, Wirtz and Simons to get off a shot at goal.
In the area we want him to attack the 6 yard box with crosses being whipped in from out wide and slide rule balls from our AM’s ensuring our number 9 will get plenty of service as he looks to continue his fine goalscoring form.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Simons off, Joao Gomes on. 4-2-3-1 with Wirtz playing at #10
80 mins: Barcola off, Nkunku on. Fresh legs as we look to pick them off on the break.
85 mins: Vlahovic off, Nkunku on.
If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Kounde off, Porro on. More attacking RB.
65 mins: Barcola off, Nkunku on.
75 mins: Simons off, Dybala on, Attacking 4-2-2-2. Caicedo & Wirtz in CM with Palmer & Nkunku as AM’s and Dybala & Vlahovic up top. Goals.
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Simons will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
Pickford
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Palmer Caicedo Wirtz Barcola
Vlahovic
FB – Porro
CB - Pavard
CM – J.Gomes
WG – Nkunku
CF - Dybala
posted on 13/6/24
Watford v BRENTFORD
🤧🤒🤕🤢
Tiago Santos
Amar Dedic
Konrad Laimer
Aleix García
____________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇳🇱J.Timber_🇺🇦Zabarnyi_🇮🇹Calafiori_🇺🇦Mykolenko
______________🇷🇸Ilić________🇧🇷Éderson
____________🇭🇺Szoboszlai_____🇺🇦Mudryk
___________🇳🇱Zirkzee___________🏴Johnson
Subs:
🇺🇦 Anatoliy Trubin
🏴 Neco Williams
🏴 Ethan Ampadu
🇳🇱 Quinten Timber
🇺🇦 Viktor Tsygankov
🇺🇦 Georgiy Sudakov
🇺🇦 Artem Dovbyk
Captain - Szoboszlai
Free Kicks - Szoboszlai
Pens - Zirkzee
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Subs on 70 mins
Sudakov on for Mudryk
Dovbyk on for Johnson
posted on 13/6/24
---------------------- E.Martinez ----------------------
Ben White - Ruben Dias - Pau. Torres - N.Mendes
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice -----------
--------------------- J.Bellingham ---------------------
----- Alvarez ---------------------------- Mbappe -----
----------------------- E.Haaland -----------------------
Carnesecchi, M.Olivera, A.Varela, Bergvall, R.Leao, G.Ramos, Odobert
we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Spurs, we must remain focussed. We have plenty pace, power and most importantly goals throughout this team and will be looking to cause some damage to their back line, with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 Defend as a team, press them all over the pitch, chasing back as they attack, close them down early, pressurize them quickly. Utd are a young vulnerable side there to be got at.
Today Pau is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when the opposition ie(CF, Winger)s are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Dias to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Dias is equal to him, 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, Pau in particular is very good and coming out from the back with the ball and wil look to set uip attacks from the back, if under pressure boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, Mendes, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early and keep them away from the danger area, when attacking, Mendes goes the most supporting Mbappe they will link up well leaving B.White in a back three to cover in case the ball is lost, if White has possession he tends to look for more of a long ball so play it over Alvarez or round him allowing Alvarez to use his pace to take on and beat his marker, when Mendes goes, this allows Leao to move in more centrally, with Rice sitting this allows him to attack at will as he will cover the left hand side of central midfield, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure their defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use the middle men to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Bellingham that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside. Both Cbs up for corners, FBs stay back
Enzo and Rice must be patient, 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 most advanced midfielder the Arsenal man may become a bit wary of hanging onto the ball too long, he sometimes becomes a 3rd CB, when under attack with Jude dropping back also beside Enzo, when attacking Rice 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. When he has the ball he will look to dictate play and play in those in front and get attacks started. At times, Enzo will push a further forward joining Jude, and Haaland in a central attacking position 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 be creative with his passing, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Bellingham is the link between midfield and attack, he will pick it up from those behind and move it forward, especially to Haaland, will look to find him in pockets the CF will get into, Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, he has to find him, he will find him, 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 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 and he is always good for a goal or two. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo 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 and tricky, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified just stop them pushing forward and that stops a massive threat, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, just get in the way of them moving forward, Alvarez and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Enzo and Jude 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, 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 and Jude, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - R.Dias
Pens - Haaland/Mbappe
Set Pieces - Bellingham
Subs
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Leao for Mendes he goes to LW, Mbappe up top 3412
After 72 Mins - Bergvall for Enzo, he will sit along side Bellingham a bit further up than Enzo, looking to open up the defence, Odobert for Alvarez at the same time
Winning -
After 75 Mins - Olivera for Mendes more defence minded v a replacement winger, Varela for Enzo
After 80 Mins - Bergvall for Alvarez, sit in an inside wide role to help stifle their midfield
Drawing -
After 70 Mins - Bergvall for Enzo, Jude drop back, Bergvall into a free role(No.10), Leao for Alvarez he goes to LW, Mbappe to RW
posted on 13/6/24
------------------------ D.Raya -------------------------
Vanderson - J.Anderson - Boungiorno - Robertson
--------------- B.Kamara --- Doug Luiz ---------------
----------------------- Gallagher ------------------------
----- F.Torres ---------------------------- L.Bailey -----
----------------------- O.Watkins ------------------------
Bazanu, Guehi, Wieffer, P.Goncalves, Adingra, Mittlestadt, Guirassy
A solid back 4 with Anderson looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful CB to come against, 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. Boungiorno alongside, again a very tough, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Anderson if needed or pick up a SS/AM, Both can play it out and very good on the ball 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 but will time these and not bomb forward willy nilly, over lapping allowing the wingers to come inside, or just play the winger in with a nice pass through, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get the wingers passed 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. This is a solid back 4 who will be difficult to attack, must stay focussed.
The 2 in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, press there attacking midfielders, 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, Kamara is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, Kamara will be there snapping at his heals, D.Luiz is more B2B/Playmaker, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Kamara making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, get right in their faces, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, very difficult to knock off the ball, has 3/4 quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass, his passing his usually spot on and tends to find his player, he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Gallagher will push more forward, when attacking he moves into an AM/free role/SS basically anywhere across the line where he will become dangerous and help others making himself available for the ball, he has freedom of the pitch he is our creative spark in the middle 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 Watkins 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 he will look for anything coming out from defence and sometimes just go for goal. in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers/wide midfielders when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks, Ferran comes inside alot, Bailey to the outside, at times they will 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. I want them when we have the ball to play up high, Both will always be nipping in and around Watkins and both capable of getting the goals, track their fullbacks if they come forward and stop them attacking
Watkins, always on the last man across the back four, always dragging players away to make space for himself and others, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward especially with the 3 behind buzzing around.
Captain - Dougls Luiz
Pens - Watkins
Free Kicks - Douglas Luiz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
After 65 Mins - Guirassy for Gallagher, Goncalves for D.Luiz, Goncalves on for his passing ability lookking to get something out of the front 2/4, Guirassy to add some power and height up top
After 75 Mins - Odobert for Ferran
Winning -
After 75 Mins - M.Wieffer for Gallagher, he will sit behind the midfield 2 as an anchor
83 Mins - Goncalves for D.Luiz,Guirassy for Watkins
Drawing -
After 70 Mins - Goncalves for Gallagher, Adingra for Ferran, Guirassy for Watkins
Red Card
Raya - Bazanu on, Gallagher off
FB - Mittlestadt on, Gallagher off
CB - Guehi on, Gallagher off
Kamara - Luiz becomes the DM
Luiz - Gallagher drops back
Winger - Adingra on, Gallagher off
Watkins - Guirassy on, Gallagher off
have a flat midfield 4 in a 441
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