Tactics

BRENTFORD v Manchester United

🤧🤒🤕🤢
Dedic, Guerra, Gutiérrez, Laimer


_______________🇷🇸Svilar
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Williams__🇦🇹Danso__🇦🇹Alaba__🇭🇺Kerkez
________🇸🇰Lobotka_____🇺🇦Brazhko
______🇭🇺Szoboszlai_____🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Gallagher
________🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Johnson_____🇳🇱Zirkzee


Subs:
🇺🇦 Lunin
🇸🇰 Hancko
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jones
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bowen
🇺🇦 Sudakov
🇺🇦 Mudryk
🇮🇹 Retegui


Captain - Alaba
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 Gallagher and Bowen on for Johnson

Man City

--------------------- 🇮🇹 Donnarumma -----------------------
🇫🇷 Kounde -- 🇳🇱 Van Dijk --- 🇮🇹 Bastoni -- 🇳🇱 Maatsen
------------------------- 🇮🇹 Tonali ----------------------------
🇵🇹 P.Neto -- 🇳🇱 X.Simons --- 🇩🇪 F.Wirtz -- 🇩🇪 Adeyemi
--------------------- 🇧🇷 Gabriel Jesus -----------------------

Subs:
Johnstone, Porro, Caicedo, Paqueta, Barcola, Joao Pedro, Vlahovic

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 with him already having great chemistry with his teammate Adeyemi. 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.

Neto and Adeyemi 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.

Up top we go with the Brazilian Jesus. At first it might appear madness to start him over our usual number 9 but the Brazilian offers something a little bit different and presents a nice little tactic which could see us take three points. First off he has tremendous workrate to hassle their defence but more importantly he has fantastic link up play. This ties in perfectly with the technical ability of our central midfield trio, he look to interlink with quick one two’s as we look to move the ball at pace.

Jesus will also look to make runs in behind their defence as we stretch the field, he also has the ability to drop in deep as we play quick triangle passes with Simons & Wirtz. When Jesus drops deep he’ll likely bring a CB with him, in doing so he’ll open up space in their back line for the rapid Neto & Adeyemi to exploit with runs in behind their defence and in Wirtz & Simons we have two perfect players to thread those through balls to put our pacy wingers through on goal.

Jesus is also a big game player with 4 goals & 3 assist in 7 CL appearances this season, this game is the perfect setting for the Brazilian to shine.

Our change up top also provides the perfect tactical oppportunity to get the victory over our rivals. As the game opens up and subs start happening we’ll be bringing our main goalscorer on for the final 30. Whilst the opposition are likely to weaken with their subs as they take our main players we will actually strengthen as we bring on a more clinical goalscorer. With the game inevitably opening up in the final 30 mins this will present the perfect opportunity for Vlahovic to fill his boots by the space afforded to him by the tiring legs of the opposition. Jesus will do the hard graft in wearing them down and Vlahovic will do the damage by putting them to the sword.

Out of possession we revert to a more traditional 4-3-3.

Donnarumma
Kounde Van Dijk Bastoni Maatsen
Simons Tonali Wirtz
Neto Jesus Adeyemi

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 strikers 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:

We go with real pace in attack. We want Neto and Adeyemi to be direct. Both are great dribblers and rapid in their transition from defence to attack. They’ll be doing what they do best, going at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as they see fit.

With a dream supply line around him Jesus will be in his element. He’ll be looking to do what he does best, get himself in and around the box linking up with our other attackers and finish any chances that come his way.

Subs:

If winning:
65 mins: Jesus off, Vlahovic on.
75 mins: Simons off, Caicedo on. Tonali & Caicedo as dual DM’s. Wirtz at 10.
85 mins: Adeyemi off, Barcola on. Fresh legs as we keep the threat of hitting them on the counter.

If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Jesus off, Vlahovic on. Enter the main man to win us the game.
70 mins: Neto & Adeyemi off, Paqueta & Joao Pedro on. Attacking 4-2-2-2. Tonali & Paqueta in CM with X.Simons & Wirtz as AM’s and Joao Pedro & Vlahovic up top. Goals.

Arsenal 4-3-3

_____________Costa
Trippier__Araujo__Gabriel__Lucas H
____________Bruno G
_______Vitinha___Barella
Havertz______Lautaro_____Martinelli

SUBS: Konate, Restes, J Araujo, Eze, Hjulmand, Darwin, Chiesa

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

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball. They are ultimately defensive first. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep the ball ticking along.

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

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

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

Striker will play his natural game.

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

Subs

70 mins: Eze comes on for Odegaard, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Eze will add some finesse late in the game.

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

If winning 80 mins: Hjulmand comes on for Barella to close out the game.

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

GW5

--------------------- G. Bazanu ----------------------
A.Martinez - Mosquera - Bitshiabu - Mittelstädt
-------------- Doug Luiz -- Wilf Ndidi --------------
M. Kudus --------- Cher Ndour ---------- L.Bailey
--------------------- O. Watkins ---------------------

D.Raya, W.Kambwala, A.Milambo, A.Scott, M.Wieffer, Adingra, Guirassy

I want fast, fluid passing to get around the opposition, use the experience we have to pick the right pass at the right time and when to move forward and when to stay back, be in control at all times even when defending

Gone with a mix of young and experienced today with nothing to play for, so play with freedom. A solid back 4 with Mosquera 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. Bitshiabu alongside, again a very tough, robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Mosquera 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, Ndidi is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, Ndidi 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 Ndidi 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.

Ndour 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, Kudus 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 -
65 Mins - Kambwala and Guirassy for Mittlestadt and Martinez, Kambwala into a back 3, Guirassy up top with Watkins, gives us a physical presence up top in a 3232 formation, we can now go long ball or get the balls in from out wide
75 Mins - J.David for Ndour and play close to the front 2 even a 343 at times

Winning -
75 Mins - Mats Wieffer for Ndour and drop back alongside Luiz and Ndidi, Guirassy for Watkins, Adingra for Kudus

Drawing -
70 Mins - J.David for Ndour, Adingra for Kudus, Guirassy for Watkins

Watford: Cup vs Tottenham
Captain: André
Vice-Captain: Verbruggen

----------------Verbruggen
Bradley---Collins--Murillo--Vanderlan
---------------André--White
------------------Guilherme
Edwards----------------------------Magno
-------------------Ferguson

SUBS: Bento, Wesley Vinícius, Quansah, Redondo, Price, 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 (White). In front of them Guilherme 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’ White will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Guilherme 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: 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: 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 (White). 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 Guilherme 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 Guilherme, White 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 White may sit a bit deeper allowing Guilherme 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: Guilherme, Magno or Edwards with Collins, Murillo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. Guilherme 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 White 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---Guilherme---Magno
--------Leonardo--Ferguson

--------------------- Carnesecchi ----------------------
Ben White - Cr. Romero - Ruben Dias - N. Mendes
----------- E.Fernandez ---- Declan. Rice -----------
---------------------- Bellingham ----------------------
----- Alvarez ------- E.Haaland ------- Mbappe -----

L.Brey, Hakimi, Varela, Locatelli, Diaby, Leao, Can Uzun

we need to use our pace, power and experience we have to really have a go at Brentford, not a must win game but we want to finish on a high in the groups, they obvs pose a threat through the centre so 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 R.Dias 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 Romero to take care of the main man, the CF in for a tough game despite how big and strong he is, Romero 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, 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, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking Mendes goes the most supporting Mbappe, 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 Mbappe 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 there 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 sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Enzo doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Rice still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. 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
Set Pieces - D.Rice

Subs

Losing -
65 Mins - R.Leao for Mendes, we go 3 at the back, Leao to LW, Mbappe CF 3232, M.Diaby for Alvarez also
75 Mins - Can Uzun for Haaland give the young scoring machine a run out

Winning -
75 Mins - Varela for Bellingham, drop in behind Enzo and Rice as an enforcer nothing gets by, R.Leao for Mbappe
83 Mins - Can Uzun for Haaland

Drawing -
65 Mins - Hakimi for B.White, more attack minded, M.Diaby for Alvarez
75 Mins - R.Leao for Haaland, go left, Mbappe up top

Chelsea v BRENTFORD

🤧🤒🤕🤢
Alaba, De Winter, Gloukh, Pacho

________________🇺🇦Lunin
🇧🇦Dedic__🇫🇷Disasi____🇦🇹Danso___🇭🇺Kerkez
_________🇩🇪Goretzka____🇦🇹Laimer
________🇭🇺Szoboszlai_____🇺🇦Mudryk
_______🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Johnson_________🇳🇱Zirkzee


Subs:
🇷🇸 Svilar
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Williams
🇸🇰 Hancko
🇸🇰 Lobotka
🇺🇦 Sudakov
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bowen
🇮🇹 Retegui

Captain - Laimer
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
Williams on for Dedic
Sudakov on for Mudryk
Bowen on for Johnson

NEWCASTLE UNITED v Leicester City

Injuries: Min-Jae, Gordon, Rudiger, Tchouameni

------‐----------------- Oblak
Walker - Tapsoba - Christensen - Mendy
---------------------- Palhinha
----------De Bruyne -------- Gallagher
Salah ------------- Openda ------------- HM Son

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Baleba, Gundogan, Gudmundsson, Sane, Lewandowski

----------------

A tough but must win game today against Leicester, our progression in the Cup depends on victory today and our gameplan will reflect this. 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, Tapsoba and Christensen at centreback, Kyle Walker and Ferland Mendy at fullback, Palhinha the sole sitting DM, Kevin De Bruyne and Conor Gallagher transitioning from midfield to attack, with Mo Salah and Heung-Min Son either side of Lois Openda upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Leicester 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.

Tapsoba/Christensen - Christensen to mark their stiker, bully him and force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Tapsoba 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 Leicester 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 Palhinha to give him passing options, in attack push forward and overlap Salah/Son 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.

Palhinha - Playing in front of the back four, patrol the midfield and prevent Leicester 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 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 Palhinha, 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/Palhinha and look for Salah/Son/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/Son/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/Son - 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 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, Palhinha and Gallagher to make it hard for Leicester to break us down.

Openda - You will be expected to occupy the Leicester 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 Son 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: De Bruyne, Salah and Son off, Baleba, Sane and Barnes on. Baleba alongside Palhinha as a second DM, Gallagher in front of the two, with Sane RM and Barnes LM in a 4-5-1/4-2-3-1, absorb pressure but also retain possession to see out the win, utilise the fresh legs out wide to hit on the counter attack.

If drawing or losing at 70 mins (we have to win to qualify):
Tapsoba, Palhinha and Gallagher off, Sane, Lewandowski and Gudmundsson on. Change to a 3-1-3-3. De Bruyne in the quarterback role, Sane RW, Son LW, Gudmundsson AM. Salah RF, Openda LF, Lewandowski down the middle. Absolutely go for it, all guns blazing as we push for goals.

------------------ Oblak
Walker - Christensen - Mendy
-------------- De Bruyne
Sane - Gudmundsson - HM Son
Salah - Lewandowski - Openda

Setpieces:
Corners: De Bruyne or Gallagher
Penalties: Lewandowski, Salah or Openda (in that order depending on who's on the pitch)

4-3-3 High tempo possession

We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and power to play with a high tempo, dominate possession with width to stretch the game and target their fbs and backup cbs, who are also missing their best dm.

Rodri and Valverde we have the quality at cm to dominate possession, set the tempo of the game, and expose their defence. Mac Allister for us is strong defensively while Osimhen has fantastic work rate defensively too. Total football.

Importantly we have a front three full of pace to stretch their defence, pushing them back and creating space for our midfield to dominate.

Rodri provides cover to allow fbs to attack and create overloads, with Mac Allister in an attacking centre-mid role, free to link and find space in attack. Valverde offering quality in the box to box role, 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, Mac and James (5’11) are over 6ft, so we look to use the power and pace in open play and set pieces to bully the South American kids.

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, Mac Allister and Kvaratskhelia all given freedom in final third to find pockets of space and go beyond Osimhen.

We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the wide 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.

Wide forwards play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. In the final third they have freedom to go central and not keep the width, as fbs will be overlapping. Up top Osimhen is a tireless player that can stretch their defence.

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

————————————— Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
——————————- Rodri —— Valverde
———————————— Mac Allister
— P.Foden ——————————————— Kvaratskhelia —
————————————— Osimhen

Subs. Sanchez, Stones, Sarr, Olise, J.Felix, L.Diaz, A.Isak

Defending high

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

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 Mac Allister play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide forwards narrow in front to the side of play they are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.

In a narrow, rigid 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.

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

Attack

Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.

We have a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Olise for Kvarat. Pace to burn against tired legs. Olise and Foden switch.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Sarr for Valverde. High energy impact.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Isak for Osimhen. Fresh pace and power against tired legs

If losing or drawing after 68 mins bring on Olise and Isak for Kvaratskhelia and Mac Allister. 3-5-2. Theo and Olise to wide midfield, Foden as AM.
If losing or drawing after 72 mins bring on Luis Diaz for Theo.