Releases:-

High tempo 4-2-3-1

We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for our midfielders to exploit. We look to get our attacking trio on between the lines in space.

In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Thiago next to Rodri, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Thiago who press the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press Pompey in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.

We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Soton.

Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.

Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.

We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Fernandes supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.

————————— Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Militao — Laporte — D.Alaba
———————- Rodri — Thiago
Sterling ————— J.Felix ———— S.Mane
————————— L.Martinez

Subs. Henderson, R.James, Neves, Laimer, Mahrez, Jesus, Osimhen

Defending high

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.

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

As Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Thiago pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Thiago behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Thiago effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.

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

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Fresh pace and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Neves for Thiago and Mahrez for Sterling.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. 4-2-2-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Mahrez for Lautaro. Mane up top with Osimhen. Sterling left, Mahrez right.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mahrez for Felix.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Jesus for Lautaro.