WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Liverpool
Injuries: Foderingham, Mascherano, Boga, Burke
----------------- Leno
Vrsaljko - Savic - Rojo - Guerreiro
--------- Sturaro - Gundogan
---- Lamela - Eriksen - Lingard
------------ Aubameyang
Subs: Begovic, Juanfran, Mustafi, N'Zonzi, A Garcia, Mata, Immobile
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Liverpool, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-2-3-1 today, Leno in goal, Savic and Rojo at centreback, Vrsaljko and Guerreiro at fullback, Sturaro and Gundogan in midfield, Lamela and Lingard either side of Eriksen at AM, with Aubameyang upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Liverpool are strong and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Leno - 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 Aubameyang.
Savic/Rojo - Savic mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rojo to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs 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.
Vrsaljko/Guerreiro - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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 possession, push forward and support Lamela and Lingard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Aubameyang and link with Gundogan/Sturaro. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Gundogan/Sturaro - Two box to box midfielders today, both required to get back and be in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom (one at a time) to push forward and join the front four, always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Eriksen/Lamela/Lingard/Aubameyang.
Eriksen - Playing at AM, try and stay between their defence and midfield, drift wide to make it hard for them to man mark you, link the play between the midfield and attack, drop deep when required alongside Gundogan and Sturaro, also interchange with Lamela and Lingard when you feel the need to. Potentially our match winner today. And no Harry Kane to steal your goals either.
Lamela/Lingard - Both with the trickery to beat the Liverpool fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Aubameyang with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Eriksen/Gundogan/Sturaro, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang's presence will create for you.
Aubameyang - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool 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. Look to interchange with Lamela and Lingard on occasion. Try and link with the three behind you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Lamela, Eriksen and Aubameyang off, Mustafi, N'Zonzi and Immobile on. 5-4-1, Mustafi an extra CB alongside Savic and Rojo, Sturaro to RM with N'Zonzi a more defensive CM, Lingard to LM, Immobile with fresh legs leading the line to disrupt their build up.
If drawing: Lingard and Sturaro off, Mustafi and A Garcia on. Revert back to our usual 3-4-2-1, Mustafi into the back three, Vrsaljko and Guerreiro push forward into wingback roles, Garcia and Gundogan in midfield, Lamela and Eriksen more central behind Aubameyang.
If losing: Guerreiro and Sturaro off, Mata and Immobile on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Vrsaljko - Savic - Rojo across the back, Gundogan the DLP, Lamela - Mata - Eriksen - Lingard behind Aubameyang and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
BRUM vs villa
-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe----------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------Brozovic--------------Matic-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mahrez-----------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
---------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Vardy------------------------------------------
Subs - Batalla, Ake, Doucoure, Kondogbia, Willian, Arnautovic, Rodrigo
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - PERISIC
FK'S - ALONSO
PENALTIES - PERISIC
Going with the tried and tested 4231 this week. Solid in defence while also lethal in attack.
I want us to play high up and to not give the Villa attackers any room to breath. 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. 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
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Brozovic will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Brozovic
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Brozovic will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and help our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers
Mahrez + Perisic
Mahrez will look to cut in from the right onto his stronger left foot. Use your immense dribbling ability to take on the oppo left back. Play through balls from the wings for Vardy to run onto and shoot if you see an opportunity . Perisic I want to mix things up and get to the byline and get crosses in. Perisic is very comfortable using both his feet, so I want him to mix things up and cut in from time to time and make space for a shot. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Attack Mid
Dele Alli
Dele will look to have a free role in midfield. I want him to make different types of runs from midfield so it is harder for the oppo to mark you. Make diagonal runs and drift into the wings etc. You will be the link between the midfield and the attack. Play quick passes and play 1 2's to find space and create a chance to shoot.
Striker
Vardy
Vardy will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Rodrigo for Matic. Also Cyprien for Brozovic and Willian for Mahrez to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe-------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------------------------Cyprien-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian-----------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Vardy----------Rodrigo------------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Alli and put on Kondogbia in CM and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Willian on for Mahrez to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Kondogbia-------------------------
------------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------------
Willian--------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Rodrigo on for Vardy
Willian on for Alli
Cyprien on for Brozovic
Fresh legs to bring on. needed freshness in midfield.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Alisson
Trent — Hummels — Koulibaly — Robertson
————————— Jorginho
—————— Milner — Pjanic
Salah ————————————————— Mane
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Sule, Keita, Rose, Coutinho, Ozil, Fekir
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Jorginho in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Pjanic, Salah, Mane, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Milner supporting and Jorginho sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Keita for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Pjanic. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Fekir for Jorginho. Milner will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Fekir with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
Counter attacking 4-4-1-1
A 4-2-3-1 effectively but with the wingers slightly deeper, to give us more control in midfield and a stronger defensive structure, we could tell Hazard to get back and defend at a high tempo, but he wouldn’t, so we get him to do what he does. Direct and counter attacking football.
Up against a team that thrives on space in attack, we look to deprive them of any space by playing a strong defensive structure and hitting them on a counter. Azpi moves to cb as we want someone who can read the play well as we expect Salah to drift inside, Ramos will mark and challenge their forward. Ndid plays as the natural dm, coverignt he space ahead of the cbs. Thiago also plays as a second dm today, a role he's played for both Spain and Bayern recently very well, his ability to read the play and intercept opposition passes will be key as we seek for him to press ahead of Ndidi.
On the attacking side, we look to find space in between their defence and midfield as they lack a natural dm. We look to get Hazard in between the lines here, using his strong link up with Costa to hit Newcastle quickly on the break. Our other key aim in attack is down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio targeting their RB.
Up against a team that wants to press high, we seek to use the large number of players in deep positions to retain possession, or simply use Neuer's ability to play accurate long passes. In reality, Suarez and Salah aren't the strongest pressers and make very little in the way of a defensive contribution for their sides. One of the reasons we target to attack down the left, as we feel their rb is their weak spot and lacks cover.
We have a midfield full of players who are excellent at retaining possession, we don't seek to rush our play, we will be happy playing backwards if we require to. Simply tire out the opposition, let them chase the ball and then go long to Costa if we do get under pressure.
Defensively we also have a midfield full of energy and a strong work rate. We defend in a narrow rigid 4-4-1-1, with no space between the lines. Hazard marks Jorginho/their dm. Simply don't let him play, stop their build up play and disjoint their attacks.
Going forward, we have players with different qualities who will always look to be on different lines, never flat, making it easy for us to find a player in space and spread the play. Hazard dropping deep in build-up phase and always looking to find space ahead of the midfield. Odriozola stays back, using his pace in defence letting Marcelo attack.
We go with a natural right footer on the right and left footer on the left to allow us to stretch the game when in possession. Importantly it allows us to hit Newcastle on the break even quicker, allows the wingers to play early crosses to Costa or first time through balls for Hazard/Costa to run on to.
-------------------- Neuer
Odriozola - Ramos - Azpilicueta - Marcelo
-------------- Thiago --- Ndidi -------------
--- Koke ------------------------------ Asensio -
------------------- Hazard
------------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, D.Alves, Can, Rafinha, James, Correa, Richarlison
Strong Defensive Lines
We defend with two banks of four behind the ball, leave no space, make it difficult for them to create. When we defend the midfield narrows, giving us bodies to the side of the park we are defending. Hazard simply sits on their dm to take away that option.
We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. We drop into two lines of four, Costa and Hazard look to shut off the passing channels as soon as we lose it allowing the other players to get into shape. Hazard then drops to simply sit on their deepest cm/dm.
In this 4-4-1-1 formation, when the opposition go wide, the winger opposite to play comes narrow, giving us 3 central players and one wide player. Hazard a fourth central player simply sits on their dm, take the option away and be in a position to help us break quickly in between our midfield and Ronaldo.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back. Then get forward quickly.
Of the 2 cms, Thiago seeks to defend diagonally ahead of Ndidi, pressing the ball, Ndidi always goal side of Thiago. Ndidi slightly deeper, in a position to sweep in and clean up if they get past the first press. The free wide man can then come inside to help close the ball. This will make it difficult for Newcastle to find space, force them to try and play in tight areas.
We don't leave much space between the lines. Two compact lines of four. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend deep, we look to get players behind the ball.
Ramos captain. Neuer and Ramos keep the defence and structure tight. The midfield pressing with Ndidi sweeping up behind them.
Attack.
We will be direct with our attacking play, with two key aims, one being targeting their right back down our left wing. The other being to Hazard finding space between the lines, taking advantage of their lack of a natural dm.
Attack down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio doubling up on their right back. Hazard has a free role in attack, to drop deep and link with the cms and wingers, but also looks to get ahead of Costa and break beyond their defence when we counter.
We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to go long at times.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa and James for Koke and Hazard. High work rate and someone strong on the break with pace on the right. James also brings a greater work rate and natural creativity with two wide options now.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Can for Thiago. Brings fresh power to midfield. Injecting energy to our play.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on James for Koke. Hazard left, Asensio right, James central as a deeper attacking cm. As the oppposition tire from their pressing, we go with more options in attack.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Hazard. Super sub on the left. Get at their right back. Also brings high work rate.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on E.Can for Thiago, inject power and energy to cm over run their cm.
If losing after 60 mins bring on James for Koke. 4-2-3-1. Asensio right, Hazard left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Rafinha for Thiago and Correa for Asensio. Bring fresh energy.
-------------------- Butland ---------------------
------------- Bonucci ---- Laporte -------------
Carvajal --------- Busquets -------- Emerson
------------- Tolisso ------- Pogba -------------
--- Mbappe ------- Aguero ------ Neymar ----
Walton, Caldara, Tousart, Bailey, Coman, Jesus, Benzema
We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, and if not get it out quickly to our wide men, we have the players in the midfield to dictate this game today, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence, Essentially still 433 but can easily shift to 343 with Busquets dropping back into a 3rd CB if need be.
Butland is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Laporte and Bonucci at CB, Laporte picks up the CF, Bonucci sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, no need to panic, look to move it simply to Busquets who is just in front of them or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to get us moving forward. Carvajal and Emerson at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Emerson gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitiing back.
Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Busquets central sits a little deeper just in front of the CB's as he looks to pick up the ball from them or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Emerson or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Tolisso and Pogba just in front allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Spurs are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Tolisso and Pogba are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Brighton fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Pogba will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero, looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself.
In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push full/wing backs back up the pitch by pressing them, we will be playing a high line as we have Busquets sitting in, they have an abundance of pace for this, All I want them to do is get into the face of them, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal and Emerson as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe will play more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace,(he is extremely quick) beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, he will dribble passed players and cut inside, so we allow him to be free today, with Emerson in support and Pogba there making himself available like the right, the left will be very dangerous, we need to use our pace to our advantage get beyond the fullbacks and drive into support Aguero. They have so much pace and are versatile up front then they can interchange at any time Must help the defence tho by tracking the fullbacks or wingbacks
We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 and fullbacks, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards, I want to press (all ten players) them back into there own half, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back,however they have a very inexperienced goalkeeper today so we must pressurize him. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, they may be big and strong but with a low centre of gravity he can push passed them hopefully, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Neymar, who will be making there runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Neymar as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins Jesus for Pogba go 442
75 Mins - Tousart and Benzema for Emerson and Carvajal, Busquets to CB 343
Bonucci - Busquets - Laporte
Mbappe - Tolisso - Tousart - Neymar
G.Jesus - Aguero - Benzema
Winning -
70 Mins - Tousart for Pogba and sit to the left of Busquets, Fullbacks drop into a flat back 4
80 Mins - Benzema for Aguero, Bailey for Mbappe
Drawing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Pogba - 442, Bailey for Mbappe fresh legs
80 Mins - Coman for Aguero, he goes LW and Neymar up top with Jesus
--------------------------Lloris
--------Manolas-----Kompany----Llorente
Danilo-------Goretzka-----Carvalho-----Rodriguez
-------Malcolm-----------------------Costa
--------------------------Cavani
Pickford, Veltman, Maitland-Niles, Fabregas, Aspas, Callejon, Sessegnon
Today I intend to implement a similar approach to how we have played in games before, but applying an element of caution, considering we are up against a tough Spurs team. I intend to play with flairt and pace going forward, targeting Spurs mainly on the counter. This is why I have brought in Malcolm for Callejon, as I think he offers us slightly more flair up front playing off Cavani, providing more tricks than Callejon does. Defensively I think the team selection is a robust one, with the three centre backs all strong on and off the ball.
Defensively I have picked a back three that combines a physical presence with being capable of playing out of the back. Kompany and Lloris are experienced professionals, and will help to marshal the defence and make sure that positioning is sorted and that there is little space to work in behind them. Lloris will play the role of a sweeper keeper, especially when we are on the ball, providing an additional outlet for us to utilise. Despite this, I want us to play with a deeper defensive line, partly so that we can be more certain defensively, but also because we know that we are the underdogs here and that Spurs will be looking to attack us.. When on the ball the players will look to distriburte forwards if possible. They will be provided options by both CMs, the FBs, Lloris, and each other. We don’t want to be playing the ball around the back too much, however, as we want to attack with speed on the counter.
I want the wing backs to play a slightly more reserved game than they usually would. Both can look to get forward, but should limit their runs so that they can limit their tired legs and not leave too many vast open spaces behind them when they do. For this reason Goretzka and Carvalho will also cover these spaces left by the full-backs. I am looking for Rodriguez and Danilo, when they do get forward to support the attack, to be making primarily overlapping runs to the two wide men that are supporting Cavani. They are to get along the touchline and to the byline, before cutting balls back to Cavani, with a varied supply of crosses, going both aerially and along the ground, to keep the defenders on their toes.
In previous games I have allowed Goretzka the freedom to venture forward and contribute to attacks. Today, however, I am limiting this. He will be playing alongside Carvalho, and together they will be shielding the defence, and doing the majority of the running, working and pressing. Together they will cover all the spaces, making sure there is none to be exploited when the full backs get forward, and shall press together, with one going towards the man whilst the other stands off him, looking to cut out the forward pass. When they pick up the ball they will look to spread it out wide and get attacks started this way. They are not to spend too long on the ball and invite pressure. Plenty of options should be made available to them.
Costa and Malcolm are the wide players selected for today. I touched on Malcolm’s inclusion earlier. These two will play as inside forwards, pushing off Cavani and supporting him with their pace and flair helping to creat spaces for one another and him. They will look to run beyond the opposition defence and get in behind so that Cavani can lay it off for them. By doing this qand getting more bodies into the box, I think that we can create more opportunities and score more goals, even when up againsta tough Spurts team.
I expect him to use and abuse that physical presence that he provides, as well as the boundless energy that is a key part of this game. He will use this to press the opposition high, either forcing them into a mistake that he can pounce on, or simply not allowing them to easily play it out from the back. He’ll also make a nightmare of himself in the box, looking to pounce on any cross, whether its whipped or floated, high or low, back post or near post. He will use his instinctive finishing and footballing brain to get himself into goalscoring positions. On top of this he should have the support of Costa and Malcolm in the box to pick up on second balls now. This should be a great help.
Red Card Scenarios
Lloris – Bring on Pickford
Kompany, Llorente, or Manolas – Bring on Veltman
Danilo or Rodriguez – Bring on Maitland-Niles
Carvalho or Goretzka – Bring on Fabregas
Costa – Bring on Sessegnon
Malcolm – Bring on Callejon
Cavani – Bring on Aspas
Substitutions
If losing/drawing
Llorente off and Fabregas on 70 mins
Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Fabregas playing in the number ten role pocket of space. This should make us more attacking as a team.
Malcolm off and Callejon on 75 minutes
Fresh legs and a more direct running threat in Callejon who should be rapid off the bench.
Costa off and Sessegnon on 80 minutes
Fresh legs
If winning
Malcolm off and Fabregas on 75 mins
Fabregas goes into the centre midfield with Goretzka and Carvalho to help us control the midfield. Costa comes inside and plays as a shadow striker behind Cavani
Rodriguez off Maitland Niles on
Fresh legs at LWB for the final push.
--------------------------Courtois
Conti---------Skriniar-----------Umtiti---------Gaya
---------------Fabinho----------Milinkovic
---Sisto--------------------------------------------Lemar
---------------------Dybala
-----------------------------Mariano
Subs: Gunn, Zagadou, Torreira, Loftus-Cheek, Bernardeschi, Philipp, Abraham
Captain: Fabinho
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Fabinho
Corners: Thomas Lemar
Penalties: Fabinho
No messing around today, we want to be direct and get the ball up the field by the quickest means possible to keep continuous pressure on Wolves backline. We build up through Courtois, Skriniar and Umtiti, using the triangle to beat their press, whilst both FBs push forward to force the opposition back. At times Fabinho can drop in down the sides of the CBs if an extra player is needed to beat their press. Whilst these players are building the attack, the forwards must be on the move, rotating amongst each other, to keep the opposition defenders guessing (set patterns explained below). We have three options to launch the attack, firstly, the CBs/Fabinho stepping into the half spaces and using laser passes into the forwards, secondly, passes out to the FBs to stretch the opponent, thirdly, longer balls into Mariano/Milinkovic (with wingers tucked in), allow the two big men to fight for it but if Wolves do the win the first ball we have six in a high press to win the second, this way we can bypass their initial press and also get them running backwards.
From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space that’s opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract the DM, opening space for runs from Milinkovic into the 10 space. Other times Dybala can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and Mariano runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines, usually a defence will follow the player that is the biggest threat to the goal which will open space for Dybala deeper to pick the right passes. Milinkovic will be the orchestrator when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. FBs will also vary their movement, inverting or stretching right out, staying back or pushing right forward, working from their team mates movement so if a winger comes deep, FB pushes on, if wingers comes inside, FBs stretch out etc. The two wingers are in there today for their pace and energy, be the fastest to loose balls, and be the first to make runs when we win the ball high, in particular look to run at their back 4. We have players that can break them down with individual skill, Dybala, Lemar, Sisto with their dribbling, Fabinho with his passing, Milinkovic/Mariano with their powerful bursts etc.
When we lose the ball our defensive unit reacts depending on where it is lost. So if we lost it in build up or first forward pass we are well covered as the FBs/wingers infield provide a layer of protection that can quickly snuff out the attacks, we can make it very congested, working in triangles to stop the attack. Most of the defending however will be done in Wolves’ third to complement our direct style, even if we lose the first ball there is always a chance to win it quickly and then attack them whilst they are disorganised. The 3 forward lines form a ball orientated hexagon press, strikers covering the route into the DM, wingers tucked into the half spaces and able to pressurise the CBs diagonal and horizontal passing lanes, Cms pushed up onto the opposition CMs/AM, outnumbering centrally to direct their build up. Flat back four that is pushed up behind our midfield and attack to keep everything compact and make sure we always have numbers to win the loose balls, FBs tucked in to the CBs. Block off the middle and win every loose ball, but also when they build from the back it means we can force their CBs to split very wide, at this stage, one CF will make a curved run to shut off the CBs pass back to his team mate, instead forcing them towards the FB, as soon as the CB shows us that he is going to play the ball, or dribble wide, we start our full press, the moving CF will continue his run round to cover the pass towards his CB partner, whilst the ball side winger runs to press the ball, creating a 2 v 1 with touchline also there to help out, the two pressers blocking the horizontal and vertical lanes. The block behind the two pressing then squeezes in, the opposite side winger tucking infield just behind the DM and the two Cms stepping up to stop balls into the opposition Cms/AM, the FB tight to the winger too. We leave only a diagonal pass into the DM free, once they use it we have 3 players all hounding him, exploiting the weaker side of his game. Once the ball is won, we counter with the 4-5 players that were pressing.
When pushed deeper Dybala drops back into midfield and Mariano will stick to the DM, it allows us to go 3 v 2 against their CMs/AM, with wingers supporting the FBs. We want the back line to be narrow so their wingers can't cut inside into space. Umtiti marks the CF, force him wide where he'll take too long trying to cut back inside.
Subs:
If Winning: Zagadou for Gaya 70’. Loftus-Cheek for Sisto 75’. Torreira for Lemar 80’, 4-2-3-1 with Loftus-Cheek and Milinkovic either side of Dybala keeping us very difficult to get through.
If Drawing: Philipp for Sisto 70’, uses his running to get in behind the defence. Abraham for Mariano 75’, poacher in the box. Bernardeschi for Conti 80’, hold width down the right.
If Losing: Zagadou for Conti 60’, 3-2-3-2, Gaya and Sisto as WBs and Lemar behind the strikers. Philipp and Abraham for Sisto and Gaya 75’, Philipp and Lemar holding with Dybala behind Abraham and Mariano.
----------------------Rico
Laimer-----Zouma---Diop------Jorge
--------------Diawara---Fornals
----Gelson--------------------------Oyarzabal
------------------B.Keita
------------------------Schick
Subs: Woodman, Elvedi, Dendoncker, Soler, Lo Celso, Neres, B.Traore
Captain: Sergio Rico
Free Kicks: Gelson Martins
Penalties: Balde keita
Corners: Mikel Oyarzabal
Already relegated so we may as well go for it in this one and just have some fun in front of the home crowd. We build up through Rico, Zouma and Diop, using the triangle to beat their press, whilst both FBs push forward to force the opposition back. At times Diawara can drop in down the sides of the CBs if an extra player is needed to beat their press. Whilst these players are building the attack, the forwards must be on the move, rotating amongst each other, to keep the opposition defenders guessing (set patterns explained below). We have three options to launch the attack, firstly, the CBs/Diawara stepping into the half spaces and using laser passes into the forwards, secondly, passes out to the FBs to stretch the opponent, thirdly, longer balls into Schick (with wingers tucked in), allow the big man to fight for it but if Hull do the win the first ball we have six in a high press to win the second, this way we can bypass their initial press and also get them running backwards.
From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space that’s opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract the DM, opening space for runs from Fornals into the 10 space. Other times Schick can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and B.Keita runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines, usually a defence will follow the player that is the biggest threat to the goal which will open space for Schick deeper to pick the right passes. Fornals will be the orchestrator when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. FBs will also vary their movement, inverting or stretching right out, staying back or pushing right forward, working from their team mates movement so if a winger comes deep, FB pushes on, if wingers comes inside, FBs stretch out etc. The two wingers are in there today for their pace and energy, be the fastest to loose balls, and be the first to make runs when we win the ball high, in particular look to run at their back 4. We have players that can break them down with individual skill, B.Keita, Gelson, Oyarzabal with their dribbling, Fornals with his passing, Schick with his powerful bursts etc.
When we lose the ball our defensive unit reacts depending on where it is lost. So if we lost it in build up or first forward pass we are well covered as the FBs/wingers infield provide a layer of protection that can quickly snuff out the attacks, we can make it very congested, working in triangles to stop the attack. Most of the defending however will be done in Hull’s third to complement our direct style, even if we lose the first ball there is always a chance to win it quickly and then attack them whilst they are disorganised. The 3 forward lines form a ball orientated hexagon press, strikers covering the route into the DM, wingers tucked into the half spaces and able to pressurise the CBs diagonal and horizontal passing lanes, Cms pushed up onto the opposition CMs/AM, outnumbering centrally to direct their build up. Flat back four that is pushed up behind our midfield and attack to keep everything compact and make sure we always have numbers to win the loose balls, FBs tucked in to the CBs. Block off the middle and win every loose ball, but also when they build from the back it means we can force their CBs to split very wide, at this stage, one CF will make a curved run to shut off the CBs pass back to his team mate, instead forcing them towards the FB, as soon as the CB shows us that he is going to play the ball, or dribble wide, we start our full press, the moving CF will continue his run round to cover the pass towards his CB partner, whilst the ball side winger runs to press the ball, creating a 2 v 1 with touchline also there to help out, the two pressers blocking the horizontal and vertical lanes. The block behind the two pressing then squeezes in, the opposite side winger tucking infield just behind the DM and the two Cms stepping up to stop balls into the opposition Cms/AM, the FB tight to the winger too. We leave only a diagonal pass into the DM free, once they use it we have 3 players all hounding him, exploiting the weaker side of his game. Once the ball is won, we counter with the 4-5 players that were pressing.
When pushed deeper B. Keita drops back into midfield and Schick will stick to the DM, it allows us to go 3 v 2 against their CMs/AM, with wingers supporting the FBs. We want the back line to be narrow so their wingers can't cut inside into space. Zouma marks the CF, force him wide where he'll take too long trying to cut back inside.
Subs:
If Winning: Soler and Dendoncker for Fornals and Keita 70'. Elvedi for Laimer 80'.
Drawing/Losing: Neres and B.Traore for Gelson and Oyarzabal 70'. Lo Celso for Fornals 75'.
----------------------Horn
Pavard--Baumgartl----Diallo--------Max
-------------Eiting---------Rakitic
Zivkovic-----------Lazaro-----------Forsberg
----------------------Milik
Subs: Müller, Kempf, Koziello, Cristante, Kampl, Gómez, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Timo Baumgartl and Abdou Diallo paired up at centre-back, Benjamin Pavard at right-back and Philipp Max at left-back, with Carel Eiting and Ivan Rakitic as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Eiting and Rakitic we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Rakitic can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Eiting can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Rakitic’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Rakitic running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Carel Eiting.
A holding midfielder through and through, Eiting is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Andrija Zivkovic, Valentino Lazaro and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Eiting or Rakitic, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Pavard and Max can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Eiting and Rakitic can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Andrija Zivkovic and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Valentino Lazaro our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Zivkovic, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 75 mins
Koziello on for Rakitic and Jovic on for Milik
Sub on 85 mins
Gómez on for Forsberg
-------------------------- Ederson
-------- Alderweir'd ---- Javi.M ------- Varane
Dier ---------- De Bruyne ----- Verratti ------ Ghoulam
----------------------- Alexis Sanchez
-------------- Lewandowski --- Timo Werner
Subs: Oxlade, Tah, Mendy, Fernandinho, D.Silva, O.Dembele, Mertens
3-5-2 today, aiming to dominate possession, playing with two forwards and Sanchez in behind to ensure we have plenty of attacking threat going forward, play with purpose, always looking to probe and convert chances/possesion into goals.
When on the ball, Javi.M moves out to more of a anchoring role, sitting deep and spreading the play allowing us to go back when needed if pressed.
Look to control the pace of the game and use our wg-backs to stretch the opposition, allowing KDB and Verratti more time to operate in the middle of the park, dicating.
Press initially from the front allowing them no easy route to play out from at the back so they have to go long and contest possession. Lewa and Werner constantly working off each other to pressure their CBs on and off the ball.
3-4-1-2 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.
The CB trio are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Lewa/Werner and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Alderweireld & Varane should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Verratti and KDB, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Javi.M sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.
Alexis Sanchez will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using his pace to commit defenders.
Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with our forwards to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times going deeper to support our midfielders if they manage to beat the initial press.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Dier and Ghoulam, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we can get them in behind and use them as outlets going forward when picking a pass.
Very possession orientated, comfortable playing quick 1-2's and accelerating into space, overlapping often and getting early deliveries into the box for our striker/s to attack.
When Everton are in possession we will initially look to press from front as a side and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 5 in midfield.
Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo/trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline, our WG-backs on their fullbacks and midfield higher up, man-marking.
The reason we want to press higher is to exert early pressure and allow then no time on the ball, no easy possession and tire them throughout pressing our players, working tirelessly to chase the ball and game whilst we dictate the tempo.
If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Verratti man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, KDB and A.Sanchez cutting off passing lanes.
Essentially a 3-5-2, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wing-backs then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.
Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.
When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Dier & Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 & KDB burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 60th minute – (3-5-2)
- Fernandinho > De Bruyne
- Mertens > Werner
- Ox > Dier (74th min)
Compact 3-5-2, Fernandinho fresh legs in mf, Mertens look to link with Lewa and pick up pockets of space to get in behind, Ox use his workrate.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3 - wide)
- O.Dembele > Werner
- D.Silva > KDB
- Mertens > Lewa (75th min)
O.Dembele and A.Sanchez move to the flanks, look to stretch the play and create holes in their backline. D.Silva on to control the tempo, Mertens fresh dynamic up front late on.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- O.Dembele > Varane
- Fernandinho > Verratti
- Mertens > Werner
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - KDB / shoot - Lewandowski
Corners - KDB
Pens – Lewandowski
Hysaj……………..Godin………….Chiellini…………….Luis
………………………………….Neves………………………………
Di Maria…………………….……………………………Griezmann
……………………Higuain……Zlatan……Belotti…………………………
Subs: Forster, De Vrij, Gagliardini, Kessie, Lallana, Hamsik, Marchisio
Second leg, we need goals….so win or bust really.
The diamond didn’t work out too well last week in a 2-2 draw so this week we’ve gone all out, bags of width and shed loads of firewpower up front to make up the 2 away goals we conceded.
First leg was a tight congested affair, we have to evolve and add more width to proceedings, especially if Liverpool continue their use of 3 at the back, lets get the ball out wide quickly and really stretch the scouse defence.
Fast paced direct footy orchestrated by Rubinho Neves, the lad has a tremendous range of passing so with him sitting as the QB today spreading the ball about, we can transition quickly from back to front – the ball will travel much faster than Liverpool’s retreating legs. Neves is no soft touch, think he’s on 10 booking’s this season for Wolves, showing he can do the dirty work as well.
Oblak is a great shot stopper and his big frame will look to dominate the box, will look to collect any crosses into the box and then go long and fast,
Hysaj and Luis I want pushing high up the pitch as often as possible, Liverpool’s threat will come from their wing-backs stretching their legs, so we have to push them back, with our own FB’s plus our wingers upfield they will have to stay back, resorting in hopeful long balls.
Godin and Chiellini will hold the line, don’t push past 18yards line, no need to get drawn out and lose out in a sprint back towards goal, just defend the box and make Sparta proud, with the ball it’s the long raking diagonals they need to be hitting, we’re not here for ball retention.
Di Maria and Griezmann have the pace and trickery to cause Liverpool all kinds of problems on the break, get it down and drive forwards or try their luck from distance. Without the ball I want both men coming in off the wing and tucking in as auxiliary centre mids, leave the width for our FB’s to cover we want to hold the middle ground, so they’ll come in and give us 3 CM’s defensively.
The pay off come now, if LSTD goes 3 at the back we match them up man for man he has no spare man at the back, if he goes with a flat-back 4 then we murder him, have the extra man so he has to see his DM drop deeper to cover.
Zlatan comes in as a 9.5 – slightly deeper than his usual role. He really is a big game player and has all the attributes to be the link up man for such a big game, will bring the ball down or win the aerial battles, before playing Higuain or Belotti in.
Higuain and Belotti – 2 out and out goalscorers, in a game where we need goals with these two operating in and around the box, we have the firepower to put this game to bed and progress to the next round.
When the Liverpool keeper has the ball I want the 3 CB’s man marked by a striker each, if it’s 2 at the back then Higgy and Belotti take one each with Zlatan marking the DM.
Subs:
60 Mins
Kessie > Neves
Hamsik > Zlatan – moves to a traditional #10
———————Ter Stegen
Conti———Skriniar—-Romagnoli—Gaya
————————Fabinho
————Pogba——————Milinkovic
Lozano——————Dybala—————Brandt
Subs: Gunn, Zagadou, Torreira, Zinchenko, Philipp, Sisto, Morata
Captain: Fabinho
Free kicks: Paul Pogba/Paulo Dybala
Corners: Paul Pogba
Penalties: Fabinho
Control the game today, moving the ball quickly to manipulate the opponent. Firstly we drop players deep in build up to draw Birmingham forward, Fabinho a 6 between the first two lines of opposition press. Ballside FB will tuck in, and Fabinho will move towards him, to create a triangle between FB, CB, DM through which we can bypass the initial press. Pogba and Milinkovic drop deep, ball near CM moves towards the touchline, and the opposite CM into the opposite-side half space. Frees both CMs up to receive a pass, ball side CM as his marker won’t follow him all the way (allows us to get the ball wide and then use the passing range of the CM to unleash the front three) and half space CM as the opposition will always shuffle across to cover the side of build up, leaving his side underloaded and vulnerable to diagonal passes from CBs/Fabinho. Plan B is using long diagonals from Fabinho/CBs/GK to the opposite side winger, looking to get immediately behind the opponents FB with their pace. Skriniar can bring the ball into midfield. Build up mainly focused down our right side, to use Fabinho and Pogba’s passing range.
They key is to retain strong positional play, using a strong triangular structure throughout to find gaps in the oppositions formation and advance the ball into them, so when the CMs are in the half space, FBs stretch wide and wingers run behind the defence, when the CM goes wide, FB remain deep and narrow, and winger go into the half space, creating triangles in every attack. The FBs are the key to our structure as they can widen and narrow as the game plays out, stretching wide to find space to link with the winger, but also able to narrow and support the ball side CM in passion, and make underlapping runs into the half spaces and channels, losing the opposition wingers, which will be particularly key in the final third to split their defence open with the late runs from Gaya/Conti. Fabinho is always ball side, in position to act as the 2nd passer and a screen to cover any defenders out of position.
Pogba and Milinkovic give us great flexibility in midfield. They can move wide to create overloads down the flank, which we want to use regularly today as they can either free themselves up, or draw Birmingham’s DMs out of the middle and out of their comfort zone, leaving them vulnerable to the skill of our CMs but also to Dybala dropping deep into the freed up space. Another key aim will be to win the half space battle, two big presences will draw the opposition towards them when they receive in the half space, make the opposition narrow to this area, cause indecision about who goes to deal with the threat and this allows us to get our FBs overlapping down the side of the narrowed defence, and with Dybala dropping deep and pulling the CBs forward, the two wingers can make out to in runs to get in behind, our CM from there can split the defence open, get the FB to the byeline and they can cross for the winger to finish, simples. Both can drop deep to instigate attacks and both can get in the box to finish them.
The front three occupy the opposition back line, the wingers looking to keep the FBs pegged back and keep them in a 1 v 1 battle, keep them pushed back so they can’t help their midfield. Brandt looks to be direct and link up quickly, run at defenders, where as Lozano will look to play between FB and CB and will often be the furthest forward, using his pace to get in behind and into the box to finish chances. Dybala is a false 9, at times dropping into a 10 position to help link attacks together and draw Birmingham’s CBs forward to open space for the wingers behind, other times he can drift wide and let Pogba/Milinkovic as a target in the middle, other times he makes runs behind or looks to take the CBs on with his speed and dribbling, he adds real versatility to our attacks.
When we lose it we counterpress with 5 defensive organisers, and 5 hunters. The hunters press immediately, don’t allow the opponents time to decide how they will transition. The CF will look to press the ball side CB, using his cover shadow to block t’other CB, whilst the wingers press the FB/far side CB depending on the side they’re on. Behind them CM’s pushes onto the deep midfielders, in particular both will focus on the midfielder carrying the ball, and one will use his cover shadow to block the other midfielder, essentially this creates a diamond around the ball allowing us to really squeeze the opponents ball carrier and win it back quickly.
The organisers will be pushed close to our offensive line in order to retain strong vertical compactness to add to the opponents difficulty in playing through us. The 5 create a staggered 2-3 bowl shape, allowing us to form a block around their forwards. This should create a 5 vs 3/4 in our favour meaning that even if a forward gets hold of the ball, we have the numbers around him to win it back quickly, be it from knock downs or a striker looking to use his pace. Focus firstly on blocking passing lanes behind the press, and then squeezing opponents if they get it forward, ball side FB in the half space to cover multiple options using his energy, far side FB shutting off his winger, Fabinho positioned to cover the space between AM and CF, Skriniar marking the CF and Romagnoli deep as the covering defender, using his reading of the game to cover off the flanks if needed. Drop to a flat 4-3-3 when defending deep.
Subs:
If Winning: Philipp for Lozano 70’, great energy to hurry the opposition. Torreira and Zagadou for Pogba and Brandt 80’, Gaya goes LM, more defensive legs and can also go to a 5-3-2 if they throw on any extra strikers.
If Drawing: Philipp and Sisto for Lozano and Brandt 70’, change of emphasis, Sisto to run at the opposition back line and Philipp to make the runs in behind. Morata for Pogba 75’, Dybala to number 10 and Morata as a focal point for more crosses from the FBs.
If Losing: Zagadou and Morata for Fabinho and Lozano 60’, 3-4-3. Philipp for Conti 70’.
If Pens:
1. Paulo Dybala
2. Sergeij Milinkovic-Savic
3. Alvaro Morata
4. Maximilian Philipp
5. Fabinho
6. Paul Pogba
7. Jose Gaya
8. Pione Sisto
9. Alessio Romagnoli
10. Milan Skriniar
Samba Tiki-taka
We use the pace of our wide players to stretch the game when we are in possession, creating space for the cms to link up and take the game to spurs. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Spurs. Get the two brothers linking up in cm.
We look to press a high tempo them as soon as they enter our half. We get bodies behind the ball, defending and attcking as a unit. Let them have the ball in their own half, conserve our energy.
We go with plenty of pace in attack. Two wide players that will stretch the game, and give us natural width. Creating space for the central players to get on the ball, getting the brothers linking up with each other and the other attackers.
In midfield, we go with the Thiago and Rafinha partnership, Thiago the playmaker, Rafinha the one looking to get in between the lines and always linking the play. Both also have a high energy approach when pressing, this will be important in ensuring we have a solid defensive shape and win the ball back in areas where Spurs can't hurt us. One right footed, one lefty they compliment each other perfectly.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. We go with two attacking fbs, stretching the game for us and creating space for our cms to control the game. While also offering options in attack and giving more freedom to the wingers.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Ronaldo or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to. Pure pace on the wings, and two players who also put a shift in. Marcelo and Hazard combining down the left, Azpi more defensive.
-------------------- Neuer
Azpilicueta – Ramos - Otamendi – Marcelo
--------------------- Kante
--------------- Thiago -- Rafinha
- L.Sane ---------------------------- Hazard -
------------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Odriozola, Can, B.Silva, Richarlison, M.Lopes, Costa
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space as soon as the opposition enter our half with a narrow rigid defensive unit. Letting them have possession in their half and getting bodies behind the ball.
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Designed to stop a quick break and allow us to get behind the ball. Get everyone bar Ronaldo behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking and get a solid defensive unit for the opposition to come up against.
Force them in to take risks, and then try and win the ball back when they do. When we win the ball we then have the opportunity to break, attack quickly, take advantage of any space they have left. Use our pace in attack.
As Spurs advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Spurs are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Rafinha and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Marcelo will always be making himself available advanced down the wing. Giving Hazard more freedom to go inside, the link up play of the two will be another highlight of our play.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Rafinha, Thiago, Marcelo and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Can for Rafinha. Fresh power and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on B.Silva for Hazard. Swith with Sane. Offers fresh energy and pace.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Richarlison for Sane. Fresh pace and power.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on B.Silva for Rafinha.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Hazard. Ronaldo left. Costa up top.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Odriozola for Azpi. More pace and an attacking threat.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Costa and B.Silva for Hazard and Rafinha. 4-4-2. Pure power and pace, attack. Silva right, Sane left. Hard working midfield 4.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Odriozola for Azpi. More attacking and great pace to help us attack down wings.
BRUM vs liverpool fa cup
-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe----------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
--------------------Brozovic--------------Matic-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Willian---------------------------------------Alli-----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------Gomez-----------Rodrigo-----------------------------
Subs - Batalla, J Gomez, Cyprien, Kondogbia, Mkhitaryan, Arnautovic, Immobile
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - WILLIAN
FK'S - WILLIAN
PENALTIES - GOMEZ
Going with a different formation this week as injuries have hit us hard. We are playing 2 upfront as we feel the Liverpool back line can be got at.
Today we will be implementing our special counter attack strategy. We will defend deep and congest the midfield and use our pace up front to hit Liverpool on the counter attack. If we are under pressure in defence just play the long ball up to Gomez so he can use his physical strength to hold the ball up and take the pressure off.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Brozovic will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Brozovic
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Brozovic will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and help our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers/Attack Mids
Willian + Alli
I want these 2 to play a bit more centrally today as we want to try and congest the midfield up so the likes of Savic and Pogba are not given freedom to dictate the tempo. When attacking Willian will look to drift wide and take on the oppo left back. Use jinxes, feints etc to beat him. Get to the byline and whip some crosses in to the box for the strikers to attack. Alli will look to drift infield and play more as a central attack mid. Play quick one twos and make late runs into the oppo box. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Strikers
Rodrigo + Gomez
Rodrigo will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Gomez will be the target man and will look to use his aerial ability to win headers and hold the ball up. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you both to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Mkhitaryan for Brozovic. Also Cyprien for Matic and Arnautovic for Willian to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe-------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
--------------------------------------Cyprien-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mkhitaryan-----------------------------------------------------Arnautovic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
---------------------------Gomez----------Rodrigo-----------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Gomez and put on Kondogbia in CM and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Mkhitaryan on for Willian to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
---------------------------Matic-----------Kondogbia-------------------------
------------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------------
Mkhitaryan--------------------------------------------------------------Alli
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rodrigo----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Immobile on for Gomez
Mkhitaryan on for Willian
Kondogbia on for Brozovic
Fresh legs to bring on. needed freshness in midfield.
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (Cup)
------------------------ K.Navas ------------------------
Valencia ----- Boateng ----- Van Dijk --- A.Laporte
----------------------- B.Matuidi ----------------------
A.Robben -- M.Asensio ----- L.Modric -- A.Martial
------------------------ M.Icardi ------------------------
Subs:
McCarthy, Bellerin, Hector, A.Rudiger, W.Zaha, L.Moura, M.Batshuayi
Captain: van Dijk
Free Kicks: Asensio
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Modric
Big game against a quality Leicester side and we field a team packed with both quality and experience.
Team Tactics:
We field an interchangeable 4-1-4-1 formation to allow us the flexibility to both defend and attack in numbers, the transition of which will be key when we look to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition and in particular, catch their players out of position when on the attack.
Ball retention will be the focus of our play with Modric and Asensio playing slightly advanced of Matuidi in a midfield trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our attacking midfield quartet. The opposition have some fantastic wingers however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their fullbacks exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them as we feel that if we limit their ability to have the ball in attacking areas the game can be won.
Matuidi’s strength and power will also be key. He acts as a shield in front of the defence and enables both Modric and Asensio to push forward in attack. When the opposition are in possession Matuidi covers the defence with our attacking midfield quartet dropping deeper to create a tight 4-5-1 formation and leaving no space for the opposition to play through us.
Asensio will be the real X factor in our side, playing alongside Modric in the dual AM role he will be the one to break between the lines. Drive at pace on the ball and get up in support almost as a SS to Icardi when we are on the attack. His speed in the middle of the park will make him almost impossible to mark and combined with the craft of Modric we feel this is where the game can be won.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with experience at both club and international level we feel we have quality to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. Valencia gets the nod over Bellerin at RB due to his defensive superiority whilst the versatile Laporte makes his debut at LB. The focus of our fullbacks will solely be on their defensive duties, the opposition have some fantastic wingers however we feel we have the quality and experience to limit their impact. Neither fullback will push on as we keep a solid defensive back four at all time. We will sit deep defensively to nullify the pace posed by the oppositions wingers and leave no room in behind. We will look to jockey the wingers down the line at all times keeping them away from the danger area. If the opposition play the inverted wingers this will help nullify their threat, forcing them down the line to cross with their weaker foot we simply do not let them come infield with the ball.
Boateng and Van Dijk form a solid athletic CB partnership. If the opposition play one up top Boateng marks whilst VVD offers cover in behind and sweeps up any balls over the top. Both CB’s are dominant in the air which will be crucial is stopping the threat posed by the opposition.
Midfield:
Matuidi shields the defence in the DM role, he also forms the first line of our attack when in possession. He will play the quarterback role picking the ball up from deep and immediately looking at the positioning of the opposition fullbacks. If they are in an advanced position we will look to catch them upfield by pinging the ball to our pacy wingers to exploit the open space. Asensio and Modric have license to push forward simultaneously. Modric is our pass master and creator in chief, he will look dictate the play and control the tempo of the game. If the opposition play with only one DM they will be left with a conundrum, pick up our chief creator in Modric and leave Asensio free to break forward and cause havoc from midfield or opt to focus on the latter and leave Modric free to pick apart the opposition. In this respect they will be forced to pick their poison.
Forwards:
Martial and Robben push up alongside Icardi creating a front 3 when on the attack. Both offer a fantastic turn of pace as we feel we can get in behind the oppositions fullbacks and cause them real problems with this direct approach. Playing as inverted wingers they have license to cut inside and shoot at any opportunity. Martial in particular will look to take the opposition on, look to make jinking runs into the box where he can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Icardi in the middle. He has fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as a weapon we look to utilise on the counter with his pure pace difficult to stop. Icardi through the middle has fantastic movement and is a real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on he attack and pounce on any lose balls in and around the area. With a supply line of Asensio, Modric, Robben and Martial we expect him to be presented with plenty of chances and has the quality to score at any moment.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Robben and Modric off. Hector and Rudiger on. 5-4-1 with Rudiger forming a CB trio alongside Boateng and VVD. Hector at LB with Laporte shielding the defence as DM alongside Matuidi as Asensio and Martial play on the flanks. A solid defensive unit with zero room for the opposition to operate as we see the game out.
If drawing: Robben and Martial off, Batshuayi and Zaha on. We switch to 4-2-2-2, Matuidi alongside Modric in CM with Asensio and the reinvigorated Zaha on the flanks. Batshuayi alongside Icardi up top as we look to pin the opposition back and grab a winner.
If losing: Valencia and Robben off, Zaha and Batshuayi. We revert to 3-2-3-2 with Asensio, Zaha and Martial as an attacking trio behind Batshuayi and Icardi as go goals and look to turn the tie on its head.
If Pens:
1. Marco Asensio
2. Luka Modric
3. Michy Batshuayi
4. Mauro Icardi
5. Virgil Van Dijk
6. Wilfried Zaha
7. Blaise Matuidi
8. Aymeric Laporte
9. Antonio Valencia
10. Jerome Boateng
Comment deleted by Article Creator
Brighton Tactics-
Captain: Paredes
Vice Captain: Conti
----------------------Pope
Bustos---Tarkowski---Conti---William
---------------Paredes---Fred
-------------------Wilshere
Rigoni----------------------------Ocampos
------------------Willian José
SUBS: Jean, Silva, Veríssimo, Ascacíbar, Wendel, Vitinho, Muriel
Goalkeeper: Pope is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Fred). 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 Wilshere 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’, Fred will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Wilshere 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.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Ocampos and Rigoni 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 Wilshere, Fred and Willian José 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 Fred may sit a bit deeper allowing Wilshere 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.
Willian José starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Wilshere, Rigoni or Ocampos with Tarkowski, Conti and Paredes to offer an aerial threat. Wilshere and Rigoni (with his thunderbolt) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Veríssimo for Conti, Vitinho for Rigoni and Muriel for Willian José.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Fred with Vitinho and Rigoni with Muriel. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
Penalties: Willian José, Ocampos, Paredes
-----------------Paredes
Vitinho------- Wilshere----------Ocampos
------------Muriel---Willian José
------------------- De Gea --------------------
------------ Varane ---- Umtiti --------------
Carvajal ------- Busquets -------- B.Mendy
------------ Tolisso ---- Rabiot --------------
--- Mbappe ----- Aguero ------ Neymar ---
Butland, Sanchez, Pellegrini, Aouar, Coman, Bailey, Jesus
Final game of the season, a must win and wait for other results to go in our favour. We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, and if not get it out quickly to our wide men, we have the players in the midfield to dictate this game today, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence, Essentially still 433 but can easily shift to 343 with Busquets dropping back into a 3rd CB if need be.
De Gea is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Varane and Umtitiat CB, Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, no need to panic, look to move it simply to Busquets who is just in front of them or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to get us moving forward. Carvajal and Mendy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Mendy gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitiing back.
Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Busquets central sits a little deeper just in front of the CB's as he looks to pick up the ball from them or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Mendy or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Tolisso and Rabiot just in front allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Newcastle are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Tolisso and Rabiot are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Newcastle fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Tolisso will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero, looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself.
In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push full/wing backs back up the pitch by pressing them, we will be playing a high line as we have Busquets sitting in, they have an abundance of pace for this, All I want them to do is get into the face of them, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal and Mendy look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe will play more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace,(he is extremely quick) beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, he will dribble passed players and cut inside, so we allow him to be free today, with Mendy in support and Rabiot making himself available as a pivot, like the right the left will be very dangerous, we need to use our pace to our advantage get beyond the fullbacks and drive into support Aguero have so much pace and are versatile up front then they can interchange at any time Must help the defence tho by tracking the fullbacks or wingbacks
We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 and fullbacks if you want to call it that, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards, I want to press them back into there own half, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back,however they have a very inexperienced goalkeeper today so we must pressurize him. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, they may be big and strong but with a low centre of gravity he can push passed them hopefully, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Neymar, who will be making there runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Neymar as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Busquets
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Jesus for Rabiot he goes in and we play 4-4-2
75 Mins - Carvajal to RCB, Mendy and Mbappe off and Bailey RW, Coman on he goes to LW and Neymar up front with Jesus and Aguero 343
Carvajal Varane S.Umtiti
Bailey Tolisso Busquets Coman
G.Jesus Aguero Neymar
Winning -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Rabiot, he and Tolisso either side of Busqueys and fullbacks sit in
80 Mins - Bailey for Mbappe and Jesus for Aguero both on to run at everything and don't give them time on the ball
Drawing
65 Mins - Aouar for Rabiot, Bailey for Mbappe we go 4231 with Aouar at No.10
75 Mins - Jesus for Mendy, Carvajal to RCB and Jesus up top 3412
----------------------Horn
Weiser----Pavard--------Baumgartl--Klostermann
------------de Jong---------Rakitic
Sabitzer-----------Lazaro-------------Forsberg
----------------------Milik
Subs: Müller, Uduokhai, Diallo, Zakaria, Kampl, Zivkovic, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Benjamin Pavard and Timo Baumgartl paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Lukas Klostermann at left-back, with Frenkie de Jong and Ivan Rakitic as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in de Jong and Rakitic we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Rakitic can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as de Jong can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Rakitic’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Rakitic running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Frenkie de Jong.
A holding midfielder through and through, de Jong is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Marcel Sabitzer, Valentino Lazaro and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by de Jong or Rakitic, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Weiser and Klostermann can surge up the wings in the knowledge that de Jong and Rakitic can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Marcel Sabitzer and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Valentino Lazaro our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Sabitzer, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 75 mins
Zivkovic on for Lazaro, and Jovic on for Milik
--------------------Buffon
Clyne----Sokratis----Vertonghen----Kurzawa
------------------Henderson
------------Parejo------Kovacic
Sterling-----------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Rulli, Inigo, Bertrand, Vecino, Bender, Thauvin, Simeone
Rulli is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.


For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery respectively to drift between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Lacazette, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the one without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.


When Lacazette is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.


Set Pieces


Corners - Kovacic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Henderson looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Parejo takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.




Free Kicks - Son takes Direct FK's


For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners




Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Thauvin for Son - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.



82 + 86 Mins - Vecino for Kovacic and Bertrand for Kurzawa - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Vecino for Henderson - Add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing



67 Mins - Thauvin, Inigo and Simeone for Henderson, Kurzawa and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
Balanced 3-5-2
We go with a pacey, hard working powerful side to support our front two. Using the pace of our two wing backs to stretch the play and get at Villa. Creating freedom for the top two to do their work. Tino goes two up top, so with 3 at the back we can go man for man with Azpi to sweep up. Allowing us to press high up the park and take the game to Villa.
Attacking with pace down the wings, Willian and Hazard looking to support the wing backs. Fabinho the defensive midfielder, who can also mix it up, Thiago the playmaker. We look to mix up our play, a mix of possession play and long balls to Ronaldo from Luiz.
Attacking at pace and defending in a solid unit. We have a hard working midfield, and so we look to defend high up the pitch. Playing a high line, and pressing. They have pace on the counter but we have pace at the back too, take the game to the opposition and make it difficult for them to play out. We want to score more than the opposition.
We look to control the game from the back, 3 cbs that are great on the ball. Controlling the game and possession from the back. Thiago and Fabinho both looking to link the defence and attack.
Key to our game plan today is attacking quickly,down the wings, and getting Willian in space between the lines. Two wing backs who are strong defensively and fantastic going forward. Odriozola is a lightning quick while everyon knows Marcelo. We look to dominate possession and get them wide and putting crosses in to the box. Hazard and Willian will drift wide to link up with them and work there way up the wings.
This will allow us to get the best out of Ronaldo, have him focused on getting in the right positions in the box, getting in behind the cbs. Hazard will add a distraction as he will also look to get beyond the opposition back line finding gaps to run through,the link up of the two will give us an added element to our attack.
A natural right footer on the right and a natural left footer on the left will add to the speed of our attacks, able to quickly play an early cross or through ball. Both are very strong defensively, and so when we are under pressure they will be important.
----------------- Schmeichel
------ Azpilicueta - Ramos -- D.Luiz
Odriozola -- Fabinho -- Thiago. A -- Marcelo
-------------------- Willian
-------------- Ronaldo -- E.Hazard
Subs. Pereira, Otamendi, Koke, Rafinha, Correa, James, D.Costa
Control possession, mixing it up with a few direct long balls from the back.
Defending in numbers
Attack and possession are the best form of defence. When we lose it, we have a hard working midfield who will look to press Villa make it difficult for them to play out.
When we don't have the ball we look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to.
We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. Ronaldo or Hazard look to close down the obvious passing lane, slow them down from the off. Behind them, we have two compact lines. The 3 cbs, and a midfield 5. The midfield 5 is not a flat line, Thiago and Willian are diagonally ahead of Fabinho, the two wingbacks in line with Fabinho.
On the right side of play Willian presses the ball and Thiago the space next to him. With the 3 (Fabinho and wbs) narrowing to the side of play behind. aAt this point the cbs will also move over to the side of play, one cb wide with 2 cbs central. And vice versa on the left side, with Thiago pressing ball, and the rest narrowing to the left.
In this formation we drop deeper as Villa push further foward. When defending our own third, the wb on the side of play drops to fb, and cm who were pressing on that side of play anyway will move to the wide position. Two compact lines of four.
Still in a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back. Then get forward quickly.
We don't leave much space between the lines. Compact lines. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend from deep when Villa get higher up the park.
Leaving Ronaldo and Hazard up top. Give us an option to counter quickly with a long ball when we win it.
Attack.
We will look to vary our play, playing out from the back or going long, we mix it up.
We push players forward. With Odriozola and Marcelo offering width, we seek to create space for our forwards by stretching the game and then getting crosses into them. Stretch the opposition, so Willian, Hazard and Ronaldo can find space in between the lines and so both Ronaldo and Hazard can find space between the cbs.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cms seeking to give them an option, Fabinho keeps it simpler in possession, Thiago more expansive, his long passing will allow us to switch quickly and put us on the front foot. Thiago and Willian seeking to both push forward into attacking positions.
We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to switch play up and go long at times.
Quick one-twos in the opposition half going down the lines. We have great pace up top, so want to get them in behind. If not we are happy for our players to take them on.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Willian. Fresh energy and pace as the game opens up more and players tire.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh power.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Koke for Hazard. Rafinha to midfield, Sane off Costa in attack.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Diego Costa for Willian. Hazard to AM, behidn the front two.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Sane for Ronaldo. 3-4-3. Sane and Hazard either side of Costa.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Correa for Hazard, super sub.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Diego Costa and Sane for Ronaldo and Willian. Sane and Hazard either side of Costa.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Koke for Fabinho.
————————Ter Stegen
——Upamecano—Romagnoli—Skriniar
Conti———————Rodri—————————Gaya
————Harit——————Milinkovic-Savic
——————Mariano———Dybala
Subs: Gunn, Ampadu, Cristante, Tielemans, Bernardo Silva, Lozano, Abraham
Captain: Alessio Romagnoli
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Amine Harit
Penalties: Mariano Diaz
We build with fluid movement from the back, overloading the oppositions front line press with an extra CB so that the ball side CB can bring the ball into midfield and support Rodri in starting attacks. As this happens we want the ball side WB to push far up the field and the ball side CM to come and collect the ball, creating a triangle through which to build and draw Birmingham on to us. With the WB pushing forward and CM coming towards the ball, this will distort Birmingham’s shape and should work to either create space for the CM to receive the ball and make a forward pass, or for CB/Rodri to go more direct into the WB.
As we get into their half our movement in the attack will be key. As much as possible we look to keep the ball central, as we have a massive overload here. Ball side wide CB stays in the midfield line with Rodri, usually Upamecano for his dribbling and passing ability (leaving Skriniar and Romagnoli to isolate the CF(s)) and these two will act as 2nd passers. Harit and Milinkovic work on a tangent but with lots of attacking freedom, so when one pushes forward, the other is slightly deeper, giving us a midfield 3 with Upamecano and Rodri, that allows for circulation and to draw Birmingham’s midfielders away from the 10(s). Harit will be the playmaker, drifting about and using his eye of the needle passing and dribbling to open things up in the centre, and Milinkovic will be the runner, using his power to break through the midfield and get in the box for crosses too. Both can drift out to the flank to create overloads out wide with their WBs, both can drop deep and start attacks in their own ways, both can play as 10’s, and mainly they can work together so when one drops deep, the other goes to that side and they overload the DM to get between the lines.
WBs keep out on the touchline so that there’s more space for us to build through the middle. As we progress the ball through the centre these two have the chance to really hurt the opposition. If the opposition narrow to the middle to deal with our overload, we look to switch the ball to the WBs in the final third, so that they have time and space to get crosses in. If the opposition stretch out to try and negate the threat of the WBs, it opens up their DMs and CBs to a 4 v 4 with space to manoeuvre into, and this is where Upamecano becomes key, his ability to drive through the middle will draw midfielders towards him and in turn open space up for one of our 4 to drop into and from there we can kill the opponent. When the ball builds down the flanks, the opposite side FB can make diagonal runs into the box, escape the attention of the FB, Conti here particularly good as a goal threat. When we are getting crosses in, overload the box, Mariano and Milinkovic’s power, Dybala’s movement.
Dybala has a free role and he provides us with fluidity between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3, able to occupy their CBs, or drop into the half spaces and wide spaces as a 10/winger and cause damage all over the pitch. His dropping off will usually find him unmarked which will always spell trouble and also open space for Harit and Milinkovic to run behind, his dropping wide gives the FB a major decision, go with our best player, or follow the WB to the byeline. Mariano as the focal point, he enjoys the physical battle in and around the box and is lethal from anywhere within 30 yards of goal, if we want to go longer, with him we can.
Defensively we want to go with a high press and look to channel their play centrally towards our overload. We don’t want to give them an easy route to the centre though, it must be forced. Mariano and Dybala split slightly wide to cover the channels, with Harit pushing into the forward line to press the ball carrying defender. Milinkovic and Rodri step up onto the DM’s, Milinkovic with Matic, so that neither can collect the ball from build up. The defence pushes up in an arrow head shape, Romagnoli the deepest with the CF, (if they play two CFs then wide CBs pick them up, Romagnoli covers) and wide CBs pushed up so they can press midfield or wingers depending on where Birmingham go. This shape should push them out to the widest defender, from here we shift across to press, withe CF going across quickly and pushing the defender right up against the touchline, WB pushing right forward to go and make it 2 v 1 and ball side CM covering the longer direct ball into midfield. Harit drops back in with other CM, and the other CF joins them, so that all we leave is a longer ball that the CBs can mop up, or a diagonal under pressure ball to the DMs who will have 3 players ready to hound them and win the ball back high up. As we instigate the wider press, our defence shifts like a pendulum so when the ball side WB presses, the other WB drops back and the defence shifts across as a back 4 to avoid any space behind left behind the WB.
If they force us back, we switch to a 5-4-1, Dybala drops in at the tip of a diamond and we close the midfield off completely, creating a tight diamond around their main playmaker and forcing them to go wide, when they do we just initiate the wide press again. From here if they get any crosses in we have 3 huge CBs.
Subs:
If Winning: Ampadu and Lozano for Harit and Milinkovic-Savic 70’, changes in the key part of the field as we go to a 3-4-3, defending deeper with a block of 3 and 2 pressing around our area, drop off, don’t press high, lure Birmingham forward and hit them with the pace of Dybala and Lozano on the break, direct balls behind their midfield. Abraham for Mariano 75’.
If Drawing: Upamecano and Mariano off, Lozano and Bernardo Silva on 60’, 4-3-3 with two wingers to create overloads out wide. Cristante for Milinkovic-Savic, drops deeper and drives us forward.
If Losing: Cristante, Silva and Lozano for Harit, Conti and Gaya 65’, 3-2-3-2 with Silva and Lozano stretching the game, Cristante alongside Rodri to control midfield, Savic behind the forwards.
If Red:
GK > Gunn for Mariano
WB > Cristante for Mariano 4-4-1
CB > as above
Rodri > Ampadu for Mariano
CM > drop Dybala back
CF > no change
deep block.
---------------------Lloris
Danilo---Manolas—Kompany—Rodriguez
-----------Goretzka---Carvalho
Malcolm--------Barkley-----------Costa
-------------------Aspas
Pickford, Telles, D. Llorente, M. Llorente, Sessegnon, Mboula, Maitland-Niles
A return to a more classic 4-2-3-1 formation for today, as it is a game where we need the win, and, lacking the physical presence of Cavani up front, an additional AM may be able to help us play to the strengths of Aspas instead. We are still going to try to play with pace and directness, but instead of playing a wide game as we have recently, we are looking for the ball to be played primarily through Barkley, who will look to lift balls over the top to our willing runners in attack, whose aim will to be use their pace to get in behind the opposition. This means we are plying a different system, and I will expect to see us retain more possession than in past weeks, as we patiently wait for our opportunities.
Once again, Lloris and Kompany provide us the experience in goal and defence to marshal the others and keep us effectively organised. On the ball I intend to have us play out through the back, and think that all five members of the defensive unit are decent with their feet and the ball on the deck. For this to work, Lloris must be willing to make himself available at any opportunity. Goretzka and Carvalho can also drop deep and provide shorter options going forward, with Malcolm and Costa also dropping back into space to serve as options to get us directly on the attack. When off the ball I need both centre backs to be disciplined and not charge forward, allowing the CMs and the FBs to do most of the pressing, with the CBs keeping their attention on opposition strikers.
The full backs will play a slightly more restricted role in this week’s game, as they will not be able to bomb forward at every opportunity like they have before. They still have the license to get forward and support the attack, but must avoid leaving space behind them which can be exploited, and they would ideally only push forward one at a time, so as we have three defenders back to defend at any one time. When they do get forward then they are no longer restricted to just overlapping, and they can underlap their winger and get into the box if that is where the space is. This should provide us more bodies in the box and a wider variety of runs to pick out.
Goretzka and Carvalho have developed to be quite a team. They will press as one too, with one pushing forward to attack the ball and the player holding it, whilst the other looks to cut off balls forward, forcing the opposition into losing possession or being pushed backwards towards their own half. When we have possession of the ball then Goretzka can push forward towards the edge of the box, to add a bit more threat for the attack, and to provide an overlapping run down the middle for Barkley. Carvalho will push forward to the half way line, meaning that there is a ball backwards available should we need to use it. We can then look to utilise his passing range to put long balls over the top.
As stated elsewhere, barkley is key to this system, which might seem strange given the fact that he is often maligned, but he is talented when he gets on the ball in tight scenarios, and I am not expecting him to get in the box. Instead I want him to get his foot on the ball and release it quickly, looking for balls over the top to our pacy attackers. When we have the ball he will drop off and pick the ball up from our two CMs, before then looking to release it quickly. When off the ball, he will drop back to help defend in the midfield area of our own half, but not get into our own penalty area. He will then look to pick up the ball, turn, and start attacks with pace and precision.
Malcolm and Costa are playing on the wings today, and Aspas is leading our lines. I expect them to play as a trio, looking to get in behind the opposition and using their pace to get beyond the opposition defence, where Barkley will be looking to knock the ball through. This means that we can gets shots on goal, create plenty of one on ones, and look to pull the ball back to any of our other quick attackers. All these players have flair in their game as well, meaning that they can not just get behind for the ball to be played to them, but also use their tricks, skills and pace to get beyond the defence by running at them.
Substitutions
If losing/drawing
65 mins
Carvalho off Maitland-Niles on
A more box to box midfielder who can also push forward like Goretzka, Good with both feet, quick and strong. He suits this role very well.
75 mins
Aspas off Mboula on
Fresh legs up front to try and get in behind more. Replace Aspas, who may be flagging by this point.
80 mins
Costa off Sessegnon on
Same as Mboula. Utilise fresh legs and directness to try and work more chances against a defence that should be tiring by this point.
If winning
70 mins
Barkley off M. Llorente on
Drop back to a more conventional three in midfield, with Llorente sitting in front of the defence and shielding it from attacks. Goretzka will then play the more advanced role.
75 mins
Rodriguez off Telles on
Fresh legs at left back to contribute going forward, and mean that this side of the pitch can be less vulnerable.
85 mins
Costa off Sessegnon on
Fresh legs up front to get in behind against a tiring defence.
I need to change my bench should be Sane on bench not Otamendi
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Tactics
Page 64 of 65
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posted on 14/4/18
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Liverpool
Injuries: Foderingham, Mascherano, Boga, Burke
----------------- Leno
Vrsaljko - Savic - Rojo - Guerreiro
--------- Sturaro - Gundogan
---- Lamela - Eriksen - Lingard
------------ Aubameyang
Subs: Begovic, Juanfran, Mustafi, N'Zonzi, A Garcia, Mata, Immobile
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Liverpool, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.
We are playing a 4-2-3-1 today, Leno in goal, Savic and Rojo at centreback, Vrsaljko and Guerreiro at fullback, Sturaro and Gundogan in midfield, Lamela and Lingard either side of Eriksen at AM, with Aubameyang upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Liverpool are strong and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.
Leno - 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 Aubameyang.
Savic/Rojo - Savic mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Rojo to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs 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.
Vrsaljko/Guerreiro - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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 possession, push forward and support Lamela and Lingard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Aubameyang and link with Gundogan/Sturaro. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Gundogan/Sturaro - Two box to box midfielders today, both required to get back and be in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom (one at a time) to push forward and join the front four, always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Eriksen/Lamela/Lingard/Aubameyang.
Eriksen - Playing at AM, try and stay between their defence and midfield, drift wide to make it hard for them to man mark you, link the play between the midfield and attack, drop deep when required alongside Gundogan and Sturaro, also interchange with Lamela and Lingard when you feel the need to. Potentially our match winner today. And no Harry Kane to steal your goals either.
Lamela/Lingard - Both with the trickery to beat the Liverpool fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Aubameyang with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Eriksen/Gundogan/Sturaro, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang's presence will create for you.
Aubameyang - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool 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. Look to interchange with Lamela and Lingard on occasion. Try and link with the three behind you to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Lamela, Eriksen and Aubameyang off, Mustafi, N'Zonzi and Immobile on. 5-4-1, Mustafi an extra CB alongside Savic and Rojo, Sturaro to RM with N'Zonzi a more defensive CM, Lingard to LM, Immobile with fresh legs leading the line to disrupt their build up.
If drawing: Lingard and Sturaro off, Mustafi and A Garcia on. Revert back to our usual 3-4-2-1, Mustafi into the back three, Vrsaljko and Guerreiro push forward into wingback roles, Garcia and Gundogan in midfield, Lamela and Eriksen more central behind Aubameyang.
If losing: Guerreiro and Sturaro off, Mata and Immobile on. Change to 3-1-4-2, Vrsaljko - Savic - Rojo across the back, Gundogan the DLP, Lamela - Mata - Eriksen - Lingard behind Aubameyang and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
posted on 14/4/18
BRUM vs villa
-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe----------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------Brozovic--------------Matic-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mahrez-----------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
---------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Vardy------------------------------------------
Subs - Batalla, Ake, Doucoure, Kondogbia, Willian, Arnautovic, Rodrigo
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - PERISIC
FK'S - ALONSO
PENALTIES - PERISIC
Going with the tried and tested 4231 this week. Solid in defence while also lethal in attack.
I want us to play high up and to not give the Villa attackers any room to breath. 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. 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
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Brozovic will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Brozovic
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Brozovic will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and help our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers
Mahrez + Perisic
Mahrez will look to cut in from the right onto his stronger left foot. Use your immense dribbling ability to take on the oppo left back. Play through balls from the wings for Vardy to run onto and shoot if you see an opportunity . Perisic I want to mix things up and get to the byline and get crosses in. Perisic is very comfortable using both his feet, so I want him to mix things up and cut in from time to time and make space for a shot. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Attack Mid
Dele Alli
Dele will look to have a free role in midfield. I want him to make different types of runs from midfield so it is harder for the oppo to mark you. Make diagonal runs and drift into the wings etc. You will be the link between the midfield and the attack. Play quick passes and play 1 2's to find space and create a chance to shoot.
Striker
Vardy
Vardy will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Rodrigo for Matic. Also Cyprien for Brozovic and Willian for Mahrez to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe-------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------------------------Cyprien-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willian-----------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Vardy----------Rodrigo------------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Alli and put on Kondogbia in CM and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Willian on for Mahrez to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Kondogbia-------------------------
------------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------------
Willian--------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Rodrigo on for Vardy
Willian on for Alli
Cyprien on for Brozovic
Fresh legs to bring on. needed freshness in midfield.
posted on 15/4/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Alisson
Trent — Hummels — Koulibaly — Robertson
————————— Jorginho
—————— Milner — Pjanic
Salah ————————————————— Mane
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Sule, Keita, Rose, Coutinho, Ozil, Fekir
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Jorginho in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Pjanic, Salah, Mane, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Milner supporting and Jorginho sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Keita for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Pjanic. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Fekir for Jorginho. Milner will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Fekir with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
posted on 15/4/18
Counter attacking 4-4-1-1
A 4-2-3-1 effectively but with the wingers slightly deeper, to give us more control in midfield and a stronger defensive structure, we could tell Hazard to get back and defend at a high tempo, but he wouldn’t, so we get him to do what he does. Direct and counter attacking football.
Up against a team that thrives on space in attack, we look to deprive them of any space by playing a strong defensive structure and hitting them on a counter. Azpi moves to cb as we want someone who can read the play well as we expect Salah to drift inside, Ramos will mark and challenge their forward. Ndid plays as the natural dm, coverignt he space ahead of the cbs. Thiago also plays as a second dm today, a role he's played for both Spain and Bayern recently very well, his ability to read the play and intercept opposition passes will be key as we seek for him to press ahead of Ndidi.
On the attacking side, we look to find space in between their defence and midfield as they lack a natural dm. We look to get Hazard in between the lines here, using his strong link up with Costa to hit Newcastle quickly on the break. Our other key aim in attack is down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio targeting their RB.
Up against a team that wants to press high, we seek to use the large number of players in deep positions to retain possession, or simply use Neuer's ability to play accurate long passes. In reality, Suarez and Salah aren't the strongest pressers and make very little in the way of a defensive contribution for their sides. One of the reasons we target to attack down the left, as we feel their rb is their weak spot and lacks cover.
We have a midfield full of players who are excellent at retaining possession, we don't seek to rush our play, we will be happy playing backwards if we require to. Simply tire out the opposition, let them chase the ball and then go long to Costa if we do get under pressure.
Defensively we also have a midfield full of energy and a strong work rate. We defend in a narrow rigid 4-4-1-1, with no space between the lines. Hazard marks Jorginho/their dm. Simply don't let him play, stop their build up play and disjoint their attacks.
Going forward, we have players with different qualities who will always look to be on different lines, never flat, making it easy for us to find a player in space and spread the play. Hazard dropping deep in build-up phase and always looking to find space ahead of the midfield. Odriozola stays back, using his pace in defence letting Marcelo attack.
We go with a natural right footer on the right and left footer on the left to allow us to stretch the game when in possession. Importantly it allows us to hit Newcastle on the break even quicker, allows the wingers to play early crosses to Costa or first time through balls for Hazard/Costa to run on to.
-------------------- Neuer
Odriozola - Ramos - Azpilicueta - Marcelo
-------------- Thiago --- Ndidi -------------
--- Koke ------------------------------ Asensio -
------------------- Hazard
------------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, D.Alves, Can, Rafinha, James, Correa, Richarlison
Strong Defensive Lines
We defend with two banks of four behind the ball, leave no space, make it difficult for them to create. When we defend the midfield narrows, giving us bodies to the side of the park we are defending. Hazard simply sits on their dm to take away that option.
We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. We drop into two lines of four, Costa and Hazard look to shut off the passing channels as soon as we lose it allowing the other players to get into shape. Hazard then drops to simply sit on their deepest cm/dm.
In this 4-4-1-1 formation, when the opposition go wide, the winger opposite to play comes narrow, giving us 3 central players and one wide player. Hazard a fourth central player simply sits on their dm, take the option away and be in a position to help us break quickly in between our midfield and Ronaldo.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back. Then get forward quickly.
Of the 2 cms, Thiago seeks to defend diagonally ahead of Ndidi, pressing the ball, Ndidi always goal side of Thiago. Ndidi slightly deeper, in a position to sweep in and clean up if they get past the first press. The free wide man can then come inside to help close the ball. This will make it difficult for Newcastle to find space, force them to try and play in tight areas.
We don't leave much space between the lines. Two compact lines of four. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend deep, we look to get players behind the ball.
Ramos captain. Neuer and Ramos keep the defence and structure tight. The midfield pressing with Ndidi sweeping up behind them.
Attack.
We will be direct with our attacking play, with two key aims, one being targeting their right back down our left wing. The other being to Hazard finding space between the lines, taking advantage of their lack of a natural dm.
Attack down the left wing, Marcelo and Asensio doubling up on their right back. Hazard has a free role in attack, to drop deep and link with the cms and wingers, but also looks to get ahead of Costa and break beyond their defence when we counter.
We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to go long at times.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Correa and James for Koke and Hazard. High work rate and someone strong on the break with pace on the right. James also brings a greater work rate and natural creativity with two wide options now.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Can for Thiago. Brings fresh power to midfield. Injecting energy to our play.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on James for Koke. Hazard left, Asensio right, James central as a deeper attacking cm. As the oppposition tire from their pressing, we go with more options in attack.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Correa for Hazard. Super sub on the left. Get at their right back. Also brings high work rate.
If drawing after 82 mins bring on E.Can for Thiago, inject power and energy to cm over run their cm.
If losing after 60 mins bring on James for Koke. 4-2-3-1. Asensio right, Hazard left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Rafinha for Thiago and Correa for Asensio. Bring fresh energy.
posted on 15/4/18
-------------------- Butland ---------------------
------------- Bonucci ---- Laporte -------------
Carvajal --------- Busquets -------- Emerson
------------- Tolisso ------- Pogba -------------
--- Mbappe ------- Aguero ------ Neymar ----
Walton, Caldara, Tousart, Bailey, Coman, Jesus, Benzema
We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, and if not get it out quickly to our wide men, we have the players in the midfield to dictate this game today, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence, Essentially still 433 but can easily shift to 343 with Busquets dropping back into a 3rd CB if need be.
Butland is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Laporte and Bonucci at CB, Laporte picks up the CF, Bonucci sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, no need to panic, look to move it simply to Busquets who is just in front of them or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to get us moving forward. Carvajal and Emerson at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Emerson gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitiing back.
Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Busquets central sits a little deeper just in front of the CB's as he looks to pick up the ball from them or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Emerson or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Tolisso and Pogba just in front allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Spurs are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Tolisso and Pogba are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Brighton fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Pogba will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero, looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself.
In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push full/wing backs back up the pitch by pressing them, we will be playing a high line as we have Busquets sitting in, they have an abundance of pace for this, All I want them to do is get into the face of them, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal and Emerson as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe will play more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace,(he is extremely quick) beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, he will dribble passed players and cut inside, so we allow him to be free today, with Emerson in support and Pogba there making himself available like the right, the left will be very dangerous, we need to use our pace to our advantage get beyond the fullbacks and drive into support Aguero. They have so much pace and are versatile up front then they can interchange at any time Must help the defence tho by tracking the fullbacks or wingbacks
We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 and fullbacks, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards, I want to press (all ten players) them back into there own half, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back,however they have a very inexperienced goalkeeper today so we must pressurize him. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, they may be big and strong but with a low centre of gravity he can push passed them hopefully, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Neymar, who will be making there runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Neymar as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins Jesus for Pogba go 442
75 Mins - Tousart and Benzema for Emerson and Carvajal, Busquets to CB 343
Bonucci - Busquets - Laporte
Mbappe - Tolisso - Tousart - Neymar
G.Jesus - Aguero - Benzema
Winning -
70 Mins - Tousart for Pogba and sit to the left of Busquets, Fullbacks drop into a flat back 4
80 Mins - Benzema for Aguero, Bailey for Mbappe
Drawing -
70 Mins - Jesus for Pogba - 442, Bailey for Mbappe fresh legs
80 Mins - Coman for Aguero, he goes LW and Neymar up top with Jesus
posted on 15/4/18
--------------------------Lloris
--------Manolas-----Kompany----Llorente
Danilo-------Goretzka-----Carvalho-----Rodriguez
-------Malcolm-----------------------Costa
--------------------------Cavani
Pickford, Veltman, Maitland-Niles, Fabregas, Aspas, Callejon, Sessegnon
Today I intend to implement a similar approach to how we have played in games before, but applying an element of caution, considering we are up against a tough Spurs team. I intend to play with flairt and pace going forward, targeting Spurs mainly on the counter. This is why I have brought in Malcolm for Callejon, as I think he offers us slightly more flair up front playing off Cavani, providing more tricks than Callejon does. Defensively I think the team selection is a robust one, with the three centre backs all strong on and off the ball.
Defensively I have picked a back three that combines a physical presence with being capable of playing out of the back. Kompany and Lloris are experienced professionals, and will help to marshal the defence and make sure that positioning is sorted and that there is little space to work in behind them. Lloris will play the role of a sweeper keeper, especially when we are on the ball, providing an additional outlet for us to utilise. Despite this, I want us to play with a deeper defensive line, partly so that we can be more certain defensively, but also because we know that we are the underdogs here and that Spurs will be looking to attack us.. When on the ball the players will look to distriburte forwards if possible. They will be provided options by both CMs, the FBs, Lloris, and each other. We don’t want to be playing the ball around the back too much, however, as we want to attack with speed on the counter.
I want the wing backs to play a slightly more reserved game than they usually would. Both can look to get forward, but should limit their runs so that they can limit their tired legs and not leave too many vast open spaces behind them when they do. For this reason Goretzka and Carvalho will also cover these spaces left by the full-backs. I am looking for Rodriguez and Danilo, when they do get forward to support the attack, to be making primarily overlapping runs to the two wide men that are supporting Cavani. They are to get along the touchline and to the byline, before cutting balls back to Cavani, with a varied supply of crosses, going both aerially and along the ground, to keep the defenders on their toes.
In previous games I have allowed Goretzka the freedom to venture forward and contribute to attacks. Today, however, I am limiting this. He will be playing alongside Carvalho, and together they will be shielding the defence, and doing the majority of the running, working and pressing. Together they will cover all the spaces, making sure there is none to be exploited when the full backs get forward, and shall press together, with one going towards the man whilst the other stands off him, looking to cut out the forward pass. When they pick up the ball they will look to spread it out wide and get attacks started this way. They are not to spend too long on the ball and invite pressure. Plenty of options should be made available to them.
Costa and Malcolm are the wide players selected for today. I touched on Malcolm’s inclusion earlier. These two will play as inside forwards, pushing off Cavani and supporting him with their pace and flair helping to creat spaces for one another and him. They will look to run beyond the opposition defence and get in behind so that Cavani can lay it off for them. By doing this qand getting more bodies into the box, I think that we can create more opportunities and score more goals, even when up againsta tough Spurts team.
I expect him to use and abuse that physical presence that he provides, as well as the boundless energy that is a key part of this game. He will use this to press the opposition high, either forcing them into a mistake that he can pounce on, or simply not allowing them to easily play it out from the back. He’ll also make a nightmare of himself in the box, looking to pounce on any cross, whether its whipped or floated, high or low, back post or near post. He will use his instinctive finishing and footballing brain to get himself into goalscoring positions. On top of this he should have the support of Costa and Malcolm in the box to pick up on second balls now. This should be a great help.
Red Card Scenarios
Lloris – Bring on Pickford
Kompany, Llorente, or Manolas – Bring on Veltman
Danilo or Rodriguez – Bring on Maitland-Niles
Carvalho or Goretzka – Bring on Fabregas
Costa – Bring on Sessegnon
Malcolm – Bring on Callejon
Cavani – Bring on Aspas
Substitutions
If losing/drawing
Llorente off and Fabregas on 70 mins
Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Fabregas playing in the number ten role pocket of space. This should make us more attacking as a team.
Malcolm off and Callejon on 75 minutes
Fresh legs and a more direct running threat in Callejon who should be rapid off the bench.
Costa off and Sessegnon on 80 minutes
Fresh legs
If winning
Malcolm off and Fabregas on 75 mins
Fabregas goes into the centre midfield with Goretzka and Carvalho to help us control the midfield. Costa comes inside and plays as a shadow striker behind Cavani
Rodriguez off Maitland Niles on
Fresh legs at LWB for the final push.
posted on 15/4/18
--------------------------Courtois
Conti---------Skriniar-----------Umtiti---------Gaya
---------------Fabinho----------Milinkovic
---Sisto--------------------------------------------Lemar
---------------------Dybala
-----------------------------Mariano
Subs: Gunn, Zagadou, Torreira, Loftus-Cheek, Bernardeschi, Philipp, Abraham
Captain: Fabinho
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Fabinho
Corners: Thomas Lemar
Penalties: Fabinho
No messing around today, we want to be direct and get the ball up the field by the quickest means possible to keep continuous pressure on Wolves backline. We build up through Courtois, Skriniar and Umtiti, using the triangle to beat their press, whilst both FBs push forward to force the opposition back. At times Fabinho can drop in down the sides of the CBs if an extra player is needed to beat their press. Whilst these players are building the attack, the forwards must be on the move, rotating amongst each other, to keep the opposition defenders guessing (set patterns explained below). We have three options to launch the attack, firstly, the CBs/Fabinho stepping into the half spaces and using laser passes into the forwards, secondly, passes out to the FBs to stretch the opponent, thirdly, longer balls into Mariano/Milinkovic (with wingers tucked in), allow the two big men to fight for it but if Wolves do the win the first ball we have six in a high press to win the second, this way we can bypass their initial press and also get them running backwards.
From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space that’s opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract the DM, opening space for runs from Milinkovic into the 10 space. Other times Dybala can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and Mariano runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines, usually a defence will follow the player that is the biggest threat to the goal which will open space for Dybala deeper to pick the right passes. Milinkovic will be the orchestrator when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. FBs will also vary their movement, inverting or stretching right out, staying back or pushing right forward, working from their team mates movement so if a winger comes deep, FB pushes on, if wingers comes inside, FBs stretch out etc. The two wingers are in there today for their pace and energy, be the fastest to loose balls, and be the first to make runs when we win the ball high, in particular look to run at their back 4. We have players that can break them down with individual skill, Dybala, Lemar, Sisto with their dribbling, Fabinho with his passing, Milinkovic/Mariano with their powerful bursts etc.
When we lose the ball our defensive unit reacts depending on where it is lost. So if we lost it in build up or first forward pass we are well covered as the FBs/wingers infield provide a layer of protection that can quickly snuff out the attacks, we can make it very congested, working in triangles to stop the attack. Most of the defending however will be done in Wolves’ third to complement our direct style, even if we lose the first ball there is always a chance to win it quickly and then attack them whilst they are disorganised. The 3 forward lines form a ball orientated hexagon press, strikers covering the route into the DM, wingers tucked into the half spaces and able to pressurise the CBs diagonal and horizontal passing lanes, Cms pushed up onto the opposition CMs/AM, outnumbering centrally to direct their build up. Flat back four that is pushed up behind our midfield and attack to keep everything compact and make sure we always have numbers to win the loose balls, FBs tucked in to the CBs. Block off the middle and win every loose ball, but also when they build from the back it means we can force their CBs to split very wide, at this stage, one CF will make a curved run to shut off the CBs pass back to his team mate, instead forcing them towards the FB, as soon as the CB shows us that he is going to play the ball, or dribble wide, we start our full press, the moving CF will continue his run round to cover the pass towards his CB partner, whilst the ball side winger runs to press the ball, creating a 2 v 1 with touchline also there to help out, the two pressers blocking the horizontal and vertical lanes. The block behind the two pressing then squeezes in, the opposite side winger tucking infield just behind the DM and the two Cms stepping up to stop balls into the opposition Cms/AM, the FB tight to the winger too. We leave only a diagonal pass into the DM free, once they use it we have 3 players all hounding him, exploiting the weaker side of his game. Once the ball is won, we counter with the 4-5 players that were pressing.
When pushed deeper Dybala drops back into midfield and Mariano will stick to the DM, it allows us to go 3 v 2 against their CMs/AM, with wingers supporting the FBs. We want the back line to be narrow so their wingers can't cut inside into space. Umtiti marks the CF, force him wide where he'll take too long trying to cut back inside.
Subs:
If Winning: Zagadou for Gaya 70’. Loftus-Cheek for Sisto 75’. Torreira for Lemar 80’, 4-2-3-1 with Loftus-Cheek and Milinkovic either side of Dybala keeping us very difficult to get through.
If Drawing: Philipp for Sisto 70’, uses his running to get in behind the defence. Abraham for Mariano 75’, poacher in the box. Bernardeschi for Conti 80’, hold width down the right.
If Losing: Zagadou for Conti 60’, 3-2-3-2, Gaya and Sisto as WBs and Lemar behind the strikers. Philipp and Abraham for Sisto and Gaya 75’, Philipp and Lemar holding with Dybala behind Abraham and Mariano.
posted on 15/4/18
----------------------Rico
Laimer-----Zouma---Diop------Jorge
--------------Diawara---Fornals
----Gelson--------------------------Oyarzabal
------------------B.Keita
------------------------Schick
Subs: Woodman, Elvedi, Dendoncker, Soler, Lo Celso, Neres, B.Traore
Captain: Sergio Rico
Free Kicks: Gelson Martins
Penalties: Balde keita
Corners: Mikel Oyarzabal
Already relegated so we may as well go for it in this one and just have some fun in front of the home crowd. We build up through Rico, Zouma and Diop, using the triangle to beat their press, whilst both FBs push forward to force the opposition back. At times Diawara can drop in down the sides of the CBs if an extra player is needed to beat their press. Whilst these players are building the attack, the forwards must be on the move, rotating amongst each other, to keep the opposition defenders guessing (set patterns explained below). We have three options to launch the attack, firstly, the CBs/Diawara stepping into the half spaces and using laser passes into the forwards, secondly, passes out to the FBs to stretch the opponent, thirdly, longer balls into Schick (with wingers tucked in), allow the big man to fight for it but if Hull do the win the first ball we have six in a high press to win the second, this way we can bypass their initial press and also get them running backwards.
From there we have a front 5 to attack, always on the move looking to force the opposition into split decisions about whether to stay and pick up a new man, or follow their original man, hopefully leading to some slow decisions or confusion, any gaps that appear we must attack immediately. Sometimes our two strikers will split high and wide(splitting the CBs), on the move, ready to run out to in and attack the space that’s opened up, whilst they make these runs, the wingers take up the space infield, the winger on the side of build up coming deeper to drag the FB away from the wing to open up the ball to the CF, and the opposite winger coming into the half spaces to attract the DM, opening space for runs from Fornals into the 10 space. Other times Schick can drop to receive the ball into an 8 position and B.Keita runs behind looking to drag the defensive lines apart and open the space for the wingers to come infield and play between the lines, usually a defence will follow the player that is the biggest threat to the goal which will open space for Schick deeper to pick the right passes. Fornals will be the orchestrator when attacks move forward, find space to receive from the build up and supply the attack. FBs will also vary their movement, inverting or stretching right out, staying back or pushing right forward, working from their team mates movement so if a winger comes deep, FB pushes on, if wingers comes inside, FBs stretch out etc. The two wingers are in there today for their pace and energy, be the fastest to loose balls, and be the first to make runs when we win the ball high, in particular look to run at their back 4. We have players that can break them down with individual skill, B.Keita, Gelson, Oyarzabal with their dribbling, Fornals with his passing, Schick with his powerful bursts etc.
When we lose the ball our defensive unit reacts depending on where it is lost. So if we lost it in build up or first forward pass we are well covered as the FBs/wingers infield provide a layer of protection that can quickly snuff out the attacks, we can make it very congested, working in triangles to stop the attack. Most of the defending however will be done in Hull’s third to complement our direct style, even if we lose the first ball there is always a chance to win it quickly and then attack them whilst they are disorganised. The 3 forward lines form a ball orientated hexagon press, strikers covering the route into the DM, wingers tucked into the half spaces and able to pressurise the CBs diagonal and horizontal passing lanes, Cms pushed up onto the opposition CMs/AM, outnumbering centrally to direct their build up. Flat back four that is pushed up behind our midfield and attack to keep everything compact and make sure we always have numbers to win the loose balls, FBs tucked in to the CBs. Block off the middle and win every loose ball, but also when they build from the back it means we can force their CBs to split very wide, at this stage, one CF will make a curved run to shut off the CBs pass back to his team mate, instead forcing them towards the FB, as soon as the CB shows us that he is going to play the ball, or dribble wide, we start our full press, the moving CF will continue his run round to cover the pass towards his CB partner, whilst the ball side winger runs to press the ball, creating a 2 v 1 with touchline also there to help out, the two pressers blocking the horizontal and vertical lanes. The block behind the two pressing then squeezes in, the opposite side winger tucking infield just behind the DM and the two Cms stepping up to stop balls into the opposition Cms/AM, the FB tight to the winger too. We leave only a diagonal pass into the DM free, once they use it we have 3 players all hounding him, exploiting the weaker side of his game. Once the ball is won, we counter with the 4-5 players that were pressing.
When pushed deeper B. Keita drops back into midfield and Schick will stick to the DM, it allows us to go 3 v 2 against their CMs/AM, with wingers supporting the FBs. We want the back line to be narrow so their wingers can't cut inside into space. Zouma marks the CF, force him wide where he'll take too long trying to cut back inside.
Subs:
If Winning: Soler and Dendoncker for Fornals and Keita 70'. Elvedi for Laimer 80'.
Drawing/Losing: Neres and B.Traore for Gelson and Oyarzabal 70'. Lo Celso for Fornals 75'.
posted on 15/4/18
----------------------Horn
Pavard--Baumgartl----Diallo--------Max
-------------Eiting---------Rakitic
Zivkovic-----------Lazaro-----------Forsberg
----------------------Milik
Subs: Müller, Kempf, Koziello, Cristante, Kampl, Gómez, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Timo Baumgartl and Abdou Diallo paired up at centre-back, Benjamin Pavard at right-back and Philipp Max at left-back, with Carel Eiting and Ivan Rakitic as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Eiting and Rakitic we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Rakitic can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Eiting can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Rakitic’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Rakitic running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Carel Eiting.
A holding midfielder through and through, Eiting is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Andrija Zivkovic, Valentino Lazaro and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Eiting or Rakitic, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Pavard and Max can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Eiting and Rakitic can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Andrija Zivkovic and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Valentino Lazaro our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Zivkovic, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 75 mins
Koziello on for Rakitic and Jovic on for Milik
Sub on 85 mins
Gómez on for Forsberg
posted on 15/4/18
-------------------------- Ederson
-------- Alderweir'd ---- Javi.M ------- Varane
Dier ---------- De Bruyne ----- Verratti ------ Ghoulam
----------------------- Alexis Sanchez
-------------- Lewandowski --- Timo Werner
Subs: Oxlade, Tah, Mendy, Fernandinho, D.Silva, O.Dembele, Mertens
3-5-2 today, aiming to dominate possession, playing with two forwards and Sanchez in behind to ensure we have plenty of attacking threat going forward, play with purpose, always looking to probe and convert chances/possesion into goals.
When on the ball, Javi.M moves out to more of a anchoring role, sitting deep and spreading the play allowing us to go back when needed if pressed.
Look to control the pace of the game and use our wg-backs to stretch the opposition, allowing KDB and Verratti more time to operate in the middle of the park, dicating.
Press initially from the front allowing them no easy route to play out from at the back so they have to go long and contest possession. Lewa and Werner constantly working off each other to pressure their CBs on and off the ball.
3-4-1-2 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.
The CB trio are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Lewa/Werner and co as target men to bypass their mf press.
Alderweireld & Varane should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Verratti and KDB, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Javi.M sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.
Alexis Sanchez will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using his pace to commit defenders.
Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with our forwards to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times going deeper to support our midfielders if they manage to beat the initial press.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Dier and Ghoulam, need to hug the touchline and provide the width allowing us to stretch the opposition. Always on the move so we can get them in behind and use them as outlets going forward when picking a pass.
Very possession orientated, comfortable playing quick 1-2's and accelerating into space, overlapping often and getting early deliveries into the box for our striker/s to attack.
When Everton are in possession we will initially look to press from front as a side and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 5 in midfield.
Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a duo/trio looking to cut avenues into midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline, our WG-backs on their fullbacks and midfield higher up, man-marking.
The reason we want to press higher is to exert early pressure and allow then no time on the ball, no easy possession and tire them throughout pressing our players, working tirelessly to chase the ball and game whilst we dictate the tempo.
If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Verratti man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, KDB and A.Sanchez cutting off passing lanes.
Essentially a 3-5-2, 5 in mf working to minimise the space in midfield zones and preventing them from finding their attackers. Our wing-backs then drop off to mark the oppositions wingers and help our CB's to prevent any space being left in behind.
Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.
When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Dier & Ghoulam can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 & KDB burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 60th minute – (3-5-2)
- Fernandinho > De Bruyne
- Mertens > Werner
- Ox > Dier (74th min)
Compact 3-5-2, Fernandinho fresh legs in mf, Mertens look to link with Lewa and pick up pockets of space to get in behind, Ox use his workrate.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3 - wide)
- O.Dembele > Werner
- D.Silva > KDB
- Mertens > Lewa (75th min)
O.Dembele and A.Sanchez move to the flanks, look to stretch the play and create holes in their backline. D.Silva on to control the tempo, Mertens fresh dynamic up front late on.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- O.Dembele > Varane
- Fernandinho > Verratti
- Mertens > Werner
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - KDB / shoot - Lewandowski
Corners - KDB
Pens – Lewandowski
posted on 15/4/18
Hysaj……………..Godin………….Chiellini…………….Luis
………………………………….Neves………………………………
Di Maria…………………….……………………………Griezmann
……………………Higuain……Zlatan……Belotti…………………………
Subs: Forster, De Vrij, Gagliardini, Kessie, Lallana, Hamsik, Marchisio
Second leg, we need goals….so win or bust really.
The diamond didn’t work out too well last week in a 2-2 draw so this week we’ve gone all out, bags of width and shed loads of firewpower up front to make up the 2 away goals we conceded.
First leg was a tight congested affair, we have to evolve and add more width to proceedings, especially if Liverpool continue their use of 3 at the back, lets get the ball out wide quickly and really stretch the scouse defence.
Fast paced direct footy orchestrated by Rubinho Neves, the lad has a tremendous range of passing so with him sitting as the QB today spreading the ball about, we can transition quickly from back to front – the ball will travel much faster than Liverpool’s retreating legs. Neves is no soft touch, think he’s on 10 booking’s this season for Wolves, showing he can do the dirty work as well.
Oblak is a great shot stopper and his big frame will look to dominate the box, will look to collect any crosses into the box and then go long and fast,
Hysaj and Luis I want pushing high up the pitch as often as possible, Liverpool’s threat will come from their wing-backs stretching their legs, so we have to push them back, with our own FB’s plus our wingers upfield they will have to stay back, resorting in hopeful long balls.
Godin and Chiellini will hold the line, don’t push past 18yards line, no need to get drawn out and lose out in a sprint back towards goal, just defend the box and make Sparta proud, with the ball it’s the long raking diagonals they need to be hitting, we’re not here for ball retention.
Di Maria and Griezmann have the pace and trickery to cause Liverpool all kinds of problems on the break, get it down and drive forwards or try their luck from distance. Without the ball I want both men coming in off the wing and tucking in as auxiliary centre mids, leave the width for our FB’s to cover we want to hold the middle ground, so they’ll come in and give us 3 CM’s defensively.
The pay off come now, if LSTD goes 3 at the back we match them up man for man he has no spare man at the back, if he goes with a flat-back 4 then we murder him, have the extra man so he has to see his DM drop deeper to cover.
Zlatan comes in as a 9.5 – slightly deeper than his usual role. He really is a big game player and has all the attributes to be the link up man for such a big game, will bring the ball down or win the aerial battles, before playing Higuain or Belotti in.
Higuain and Belotti – 2 out and out goalscorers, in a game where we need goals with these two operating in and around the box, we have the firepower to put this game to bed and progress to the next round.
When the Liverpool keeper has the ball I want the 3 CB’s man marked by a striker each, if it’s 2 at the back then Higgy and Belotti take one each with Zlatan marking the DM.
Subs:
60 Mins
Kessie > Neves
Hamsik > Zlatan – moves to a traditional #10
posted on 21/4/18
———————Ter Stegen
Conti———Skriniar—-Romagnoli—Gaya
————————Fabinho
————Pogba——————Milinkovic
Lozano——————Dybala—————Brandt
Subs: Gunn, Zagadou, Torreira, Zinchenko, Philipp, Sisto, Morata
Captain: Fabinho
Free kicks: Paul Pogba/Paulo Dybala
Corners: Paul Pogba
Penalties: Fabinho
Control the game today, moving the ball quickly to manipulate the opponent. Firstly we drop players deep in build up to draw Birmingham forward, Fabinho a 6 between the first two lines of opposition press. Ballside FB will tuck in, and Fabinho will move towards him, to create a triangle between FB, CB, DM through which we can bypass the initial press. Pogba and Milinkovic drop deep, ball near CM moves towards the touchline, and the opposite CM into the opposite-side half space. Frees both CMs up to receive a pass, ball side CM as his marker won’t follow him all the way (allows us to get the ball wide and then use the passing range of the CM to unleash the front three) and half space CM as the opposition will always shuffle across to cover the side of build up, leaving his side underloaded and vulnerable to diagonal passes from CBs/Fabinho. Plan B is using long diagonals from Fabinho/CBs/GK to the opposite side winger, looking to get immediately behind the opponents FB with their pace. Skriniar can bring the ball into midfield. Build up mainly focused down our right side, to use Fabinho and Pogba’s passing range.
They key is to retain strong positional play, using a strong triangular structure throughout to find gaps in the oppositions formation and advance the ball into them, so when the CMs are in the half space, FBs stretch wide and wingers run behind the defence, when the CM goes wide, FB remain deep and narrow, and winger go into the half space, creating triangles in every attack. The FBs are the key to our structure as they can widen and narrow as the game plays out, stretching wide to find space to link with the winger, but also able to narrow and support the ball side CM in passion, and make underlapping runs into the half spaces and channels, losing the opposition wingers, which will be particularly key in the final third to split their defence open with the late runs from Gaya/Conti. Fabinho is always ball side, in position to act as the 2nd passer and a screen to cover any defenders out of position.
Pogba and Milinkovic give us great flexibility in midfield. They can move wide to create overloads down the flank, which we want to use regularly today as they can either free themselves up, or draw Birmingham’s DMs out of the middle and out of their comfort zone, leaving them vulnerable to the skill of our CMs but also to Dybala dropping deep into the freed up space. Another key aim will be to win the half space battle, two big presences will draw the opposition towards them when they receive in the half space, make the opposition narrow to this area, cause indecision about who goes to deal with the threat and this allows us to get our FBs overlapping down the side of the narrowed defence, and with Dybala dropping deep and pulling the CBs forward, the two wingers can make out to in runs to get in behind, our CM from there can split the defence open, get the FB to the byeline and they can cross for the winger to finish, simples. Both can drop deep to instigate attacks and both can get in the box to finish them.
The front three occupy the opposition back line, the wingers looking to keep the FBs pegged back and keep them in a 1 v 1 battle, keep them pushed back so they can’t help their midfield. Brandt looks to be direct and link up quickly, run at defenders, where as Lozano will look to play between FB and CB and will often be the furthest forward, using his pace to get in behind and into the box to finish chances. Dybala is a false 9, at times dropping into a 10 position to help link attacks together and draw Birmingham’s CBs forward to open space for the wingers behind, other times he can drift wide and let Pogba/Milinkovic as a target in the middle, other times he makes runs behind or looks to take the CBs on with his speed and dribbling, he adds real versatility to our attacks.
When we lose it we counterpress with 5 defensive organisers, and 5 hunters. The hunters press immediately, don’t allow the opponents time to decide how they will transition. The CF will look to press the ball side CB, using his cover shadow to block t’other CB, whilst the wingers press the FB/far side CB depending on the side they’re on. Behind them CM’s pushes onto the deep midfielders, in particular both will focus on the midfielder carrying the ball, and one will use his cover shadow to block the other midfielder, essentially this creates a diamond around the ball allowing us to really squeeze the opponents ball carrier and win it back quickly.
The organisers will be pushed close to our offensive line in order to retain strong vertical compactness to add to the opponents difficulty in playing through us. The 5 create a staggered 2-3 bowl shape, allowing us to form a block around their forwards. This should create a 5 vs 3/4 in our favour meaning that even if a forward gets hold of the ball, we have the numbers around him to win it back quickly, be it from knock downs or a striker looking to use his pace. Focus firstly on blocking passing lanes behind the press, and then squeezing opponents if they get it forward, ball side FB in the half space to cover multiple options using his energy, far side FB shutting off his winger, Fabinho positioned to cover the space between AM and CF, Skriniar marking the CF and Romagnoli deep as the covering defender, using his reading of the game to cover off the flanks if needed. Drop to a flat 4-3-3 when defending deep.
Subs:
If Winning: Philipp for Lozano 70’, great energy to hurry the opposition. Torreira and Zagadou for Pogba and Brandt 80’, Gaya goes LM, more defensive legs and can also go to a 5-3-2 if they throw on any extra strikers.
If Drawing: Philipp and Sisto for Lozano and Brandt 70’, change of emphasis, Sisto to run at the opposition back line and Philipp to make the runs in behind. Morata for Pogba 75’, Dybala to number 10 and Morata as a focal point for more crosses from the FBs.
If Losing: Zagadou and Morata for Fabinho and Lozano 60’, 3-4-3. Philipp for Conti 70’.
If Pens:
1. Paulo Dybala
2. Sergeij Milinkovic-Savic
3. Alvaro Morata
4. Maximilian Philipp
5. Fabinho
6. Paul Pogba
7. Jose Gaya
8. Pione Sisto
9. Alessio Romagnoli
10. Milan Skriniar
posted on 21/4/18
Samba Tiki-taka
We use the pace of our wide players to stretch the game when we are in possession, creating space for the cms to link up and take the game to spurs. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Spurs. Get the two brothers linking up in cm.
We look to press a high tempo them as soon as they enter our half. We get bodies behind the ball, defending and attcking as a unit. Let them have the ball in their own half, conserve our energy.
We go with plenty of pace in attack. Two wide players that will stretch the game, and give us natural width. Creating space for the central players to get on the ball, getting the brothers linking up with each other and the other attackers.
In midfield, we go with the Thiago and Rafinha partnership, Thiago the playmaker, Rafinha the one looking to get in between the lines and always linking the play. Both also have a high energy approach when pressing, this will be important in ensuring we have a solid defensive shape and win the ball back in areas where Spurs can't hurt us. One right footed, one lefty they compliment each other perfectly.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. We go with two attacking fbs, stretching the game for us and creating space for our cms to control the game. While also offering options in attack and giving more freedom to the wingers.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Ronaldo or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to. Pure pace on the wings, and two players who also put a shift in. Marcelo and Hazard combining down the left, Azpi more defensive.
-------------------- Neuer
Azpilicueta – Ramos - Otamendi – Marcelo
--------------------- Kante
--------------- Thiago -- Rafinha
- L.Sane ---------------------------- Hazard -
------------------- Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Odriozola, Can, B.Silva, Richarlison, M.Lopes, Costa
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space as soon as the opposition enter our half with a narrow rigid defensive unit. Letting them have possession in their half and getting bodies behind the ball.
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Designed to stop a quick break and allow us to get behind the ball. Get everyone bar Ronaldo behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking and get a solid defensive unit for the opposition to come up against.
Force them in to take risks, and then try and win the ball back when they do. When we win the ball we then have the opportunity to break, attack quickly, take advantage of any space they have left. Use our pace in attack.
As Spurs advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Spurs are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Rafinha and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Marcelo will always be making himself available advanced down the wing. Giving Hazard more freedom to go inside, the link up play of the two will be another highlight of our play.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Rafinha, Thiago, Marcelo and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Can for Rafinha. Fresh power and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on B.Silva for Hazard. Swith with Sane. Offers fresh energy and pace.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Richarlison for Sane. Fresh pace and power.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on B.Silva for Rafinha.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Hazard. Ronaldo left. Costa up top.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Odriozola for Azpi. More pace and an attacking threat.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Costa and B.Silva for Hazard and Rafinha. 4-4-2. Pure power and pace, attack. Silva right, Sane left. Hard working midfield 4.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Odriozola for Azpi. More attacking and great pace to help us attack down wings.
posted on 21/4/18
BRUM vs liverpool fa cup
-----------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe----------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
--------------------Brozovic--------------Matic-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Willian---------------------------------------Alli-----------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------Gomez-----------Rodrigo-----------------------------
Subs - Batalla, J Gomez, Cyprien, Kondogbia, Mkhitaryan, Arnautovic, Immobile
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - WILLIAN
FK'S - WILLIAN
PENALTIES - GOMEZ
Going with a different formation this week as injuries have hit us hard. We are playing 2 upfront as we feel the Liverpool back line can be got at.
Today we will be implementing our special counter attack strategy. We will defend deep and congest the midfield and use our pace up front to hit Liverpool on the counter attack. If we are under pressure in defence just play the long ball up to Gomez so he can use his physical strength to hold the ball up and take the pressure off.
Defence
Lafont is a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Maguire and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Brozovic will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Brozovic
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Brozovic will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and help our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers/Attack Mids
Willian + Alli
I want these 2 to play a bit more centrally today as we want to try and congest the midfield up so the likes of Savic and Pogba are not given freedom to dictate the tempo. When attacking Willian will look to drift wide and take on the oppo left back. Use jinxes, feints etc to beat him. Get to the byline and whip some crosses in to the box for the strikers to attack. Alli will look to drift infield and play more as a central attack mid. Play quick one twos and make late runs into the oppo box. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Strikers
Rodrigo + Gomez
Rodrigo will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Gomez will be the target man and will look to use his aerial ability to win headers and hold the ball up. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you both to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Mkhitaryan for Brozovic. Also Cyprien for Matic and Arnautovic for Willian to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe-------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
--------------------------------------Cyprien-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mkhitaryan-----------------------------------------------------Arnautovic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
---------------------------Gomez----------Rodrigo-----------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Gomez and put on Kondogbia in CM and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Mkhitaryan on for Willian to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Sidibe------------Maguire---------------Bailly-------------Caricol
---------------------------Matic-----------Kondogbia-------------------------
------------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------------
Mkhitaryan--------------------------------------------------------------Alli
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rodrigo----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Immobile on for Gomez
Mkhitaryan on for Willian
Kondogbia on for Brozovic
Fresh legs to bring on. needed freshness in midfield.
posted on 21/4/18
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (Cup)
------------------------ K.Navas ------------------------
Valencia ----- Boateng ----- Van Dijk --- A.Laporte
----------------------- B.Matuidi ----------------------
A.Robben -- M.Asensio ----- L.Modric -- A.Martial
------------------------ M.Icardi ------------------------
Subs:
McCarthy, Bellerin, Hector, A.Rudiger, W.Zaha, L.Moura, M.Batshuayi
Captain: van Dijk
Free Kicks: Asensio
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: Modric
Big game against a quality Leicester side and we field a team packed with both quality and experience.
Team Tactics:
We field an interchangeable 4-1-4-1 formation to allow us the flexibility to both defend and attack in numbers, the transition of which will be key when we look to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition and in particular, catch their players out of position when on the attack.
Ball retention will be the focus of our play with Modric and Asensio playing slightly advanced of Matuidi in a midfield trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our attacking midfield quartet. The opposition have some fantastic wingers however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their fullbacks exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them as we feel that if we limit their ability to have the ball in attacking areas the game can be won.
Matuidi’s strength and power will also be key. He acts as a shield in front of the defence and enables both Modric and Asensio to push forward in attack. When the opposition are in possession Matuidi covers the defence with our attacking midfield quartet dropping deeper to create a tight 4-5-1 formation and leaving no space for the opposition to play through us.
Asensio will be the real X factor in our side, playing alongside Modric in the dual AM role he will be the one to break between the lines. Drive at pace on the ball and get up in support almost as a SS to Icardi when we are on the attack. His speed in the middle of the park will make him almost impossible to mark and combined with the craft of Modric we feel this is where the game can be won.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with experience at both club and international level we feel we have quality to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. Valencia gets the nod over Bellerin at RB due to his defensive superiority whilst the versatile Laporte makes his debut at LB. The focus of our fullbacks will solely be on their defensive duties, the opposition have some fantastic wingers however we feel we have the quality and experience to limit their impact. Neither fullback will push on as we keep a solid defensive back four at all time. We will sit deep defensively to nullify the pace posed by the oppositions wingers and leave no room in behind. We will look to jockey the wingers down the line at all times keeping them away from the danger area. If the opposition play the inverted wingers this will help nullify their threat, forcing them down the line to cross with their weaker foot we simply do not let them come infield with the ball.
Boateng and Van Dijk form a solid athletic CB partnership. If the opposition play one up top Boateng marks whilst VVD offers cover in behind and sweeps up any balls over the top. Both CB’s are dominant in the air which will be crucial is stopping the threat posed by the opposition.
Midfield:
Matuidi shields the defence in the DM role, he also forms the first line of our attack when in possession. He will play the quarterback role picking the ball up from deep and immediately looking at the positioning of the opposition fullbacks. If they are in an advanced position we will look to catch them upfield by pinging the ball to our pacy wingers to exploit the open space. Asensio and Modric have license to push forward simultaneously. Modric is our pass master and creator in chief, he will look dictate the play and control the tempo of the game. If the opposition play with only one DM they will be left with a conundrum, pick up our chief creator in Modric and leave Asensio free to break forward and cause havoc from midfield or opt to focus on the latter and leave Modric free to pick apart the opposition. In this respect they will be forced to pick their poison.
Forwards:
Martial and Robben push up alongside Icardi creating a front 3 when on the attack. Both offer a fantastic turn of pace as we feel we can get in behind the oppositions fullbacks and cause them real problems with this direct approach. Playing as inverted wingers they have license to cut inside and shoot at any opportunity. Martial in particular will look to take the opposition on, look to make jinking runs into the box where he can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Icardi in the middle. He has fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as a weapon we look to utilise on the counter with his pure pace difficult to stop. Icardi through the middle has fantastic movement and is a real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on he attack and pounce on any lose balls in and around the area. With a supply line of Asensio, Modric, Robben and Martial we expect him to be presented with plenty of chances and has the quality to score at any moment.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Robben and Modric off. Hector and Rudiger on. 5-4-1 with Rudiger forming a CB trio alongside Boateng and VVD. Hector at LB with Laporte shielding the defence as DM alongside Matuidi as Asensio and Martial play on the flanks. A solid defensive unit with zero room for the opposition to operate as we see the game out.
If drawing: Robben and Martial off, Batshuayi and Zaha on. We switch to 4-2-2-2, Matuidi alongside Modric in CM with Asensio and the reinvigorated Zaha on the flanks. Batshuayi alongside Icardi up top as we look to pin the opposition back and grab a winner.
If losing: Valencia and Robben off, Zaha and Batshuayi. We revert to 3-2-3-2 with Asensio, Zaha and Martial as an attacking trio behind Batshuayi and Icardi as go goals and look to turn the tie on its head.
If Pens:
1. Marco Asensio
2. Luka Modric
3. Michy Batshuayi
4. Mauro Icardi
5. Virgil Van Dijk
6. Wilfried Zaha
7. Blaise Matuidi
8. Aymeric Laporte
9. Antonio Valencia
10. Jerome Boateng
posted on 24/4/18
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 1/5/18
Brighton Tactics-
Captain: Paredes
Vice Captain: Conti
----------------------Pope
Bustos---Tarkowski---Conti---William
---------------Paredes---Fred
-------------------Wilshere
Rigoni----------------------------Ocampos
------------------Willian José
SUBS: Jean, Silva, Veríssimo, Ascacíbar, Wendel, Vitinho, Muriel
Goalkeeper: Pope is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Paredes). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Fred). 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 Wilshere 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’, Fred will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Wilshere 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.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Ocampos and Rigoni 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 Wilshere, Fred and Willian José 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 Fred may sit a bit deeper allowing Wilshere 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.
Willian José starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Wilshere, Rigoni or Ocampos with Tarkowski, Conti and Paredes to offer an aerial threat. Wilshere and Rigoni (with his thunderbolt) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Veríssimo for Conti, Vitinho for Rigoni and Muriel for Willian José.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Fred with Vitinho and Rigoni with Muriel. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
Penalties: Willian José, Ocampos, Paredes
-----------------Paredes
Vitinho------- Wilshere----------Ocampos
------------Muriel---Willian José
posted on 2/5/18
------------------- De Gea --------------------
------------ Varane ---- Umtiti --------------
Carvajal ------- Busquets -------- B.Mendy
------------ Tolisso ---- Rabiot --------------
--- Mbappe ----- Aguero ------ Neymar ---
Butland, Sanchez, Pellegrini, Aouar, Coman, Bailey, Jesus
Final game of the season, a must win and wait for other results to go in our favour. We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, and if not get it out quickly to our wide men, we have the players in the midfield to dictate this game today, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence, Essentially still 433 but can easily shift to 343 with Busquets dropping back into a 3rd CB if need be.
De Gea is an imposing figure between the sticks with excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, out very quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Varane and Umtitiat CB, Umtiti picks up the CF, Varane sits spare picking up a 2nd CF/AM, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away out of defence, no need to panic, look to move it simply to Busquets who is just in front of them or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both are very comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to get us moving forward. Carvajal and Mendy at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Mendy gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Busquets sitiing back.
Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Busquets central sits a little deeper just in front of the CB's as he looks to pick up the ball from them or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Mendy or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Tolisso and Rabiot just in front allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Newcastle are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Tolisso and Rabiot are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Newcastle fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Tolisso will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero, looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself.
In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push full/wing backs back up the pitch by pressing them, we will be playing a high line as we have Busquets sitting in, they have an abundance of pace for this, All I want them to do is get into the face of them, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal and Mendy look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe will play more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace,(he is extremely quick) beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, he will dribble passed players and cut inside, so we allow him to be free today, with Mendy in support and Rabiot making himself available as a pivot, like the right the left will be very dangerous, we need to use our pace to our advantage get beyond the fullbacks and drive into support Aguero have so much pace and are versatile up front then they can interchange at any time Must help the defence tho by tracking the fullbacks or wingbacks
We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 and fullbacks if you want to call it that, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards, I want to press them back into there own half, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back,however they have a very inexperienced goalkeeper today so we must pressurize him. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, they may be big and strong but with a low centre of gravity he can push passed them hopefully, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Neymar, who will be making there runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Neymar as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Busquets
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Jesus for Rabiot he goes in and we play 4-4-2
75 Mins - Carvajal to RCB, Mendy and Mbappe off and Bailey RW, Coman on he goes to LW and Neymar up front with Jesus and Aguero 343
Carvajal Varane S.Umtiti
Bailey Tolisso Busquets Coman
G.Jesus Aguero Neymar
Winning -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Rabiot, he and Tolisso either side of Busqueys and fullbacks sit in
80 Mins - Bailey for Mbappe and Jesus for Aguero both on to run at everything and don't give them time on the ball
Drawing
65 Mins - Aouar for Rabiot, Bailey for Mbappe we go 4231 with Aouar at No.10
75 Mins - Jesus for Mendy, Carvajal to RCB and Jesus up top 3412
posted on 3/5/18
----------------------Horn
Weiser----Pavard--------Baumgartl--Klostermann
------------de Jong---------Rakitic
Sabitzer-----------Lazaro-------------Forsberg
----------------------Milik
Subs: Müller, Uduokhai, Diallo, Zakaria, Kampl, Zivkovic, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Benjamin Pavard and Timo Baumgartl paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Lukas Klostermann at left-back, with Frenkie de Jong and Ivan Rakitic as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in de Jong and Rakitic we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Rakitic can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as de Jong can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Rakitic’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Rakitic running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Frenkie de Jong.
A holding midfielder through and through, de Jong is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Eiting such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Marcel Sabitzer, Valentino Lazaro and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by de Jong or Rakitic, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Weiser and Klostermann can surge up the wings in the knowledge that de Jong and Rakitic can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Marcel Sabitzer and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Valentino Lazaro our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Lazaro is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Sabitzer, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.
Subs on 75 mins
Zivkovic on for Lazaro, and Jovic on for Milik
posted on 5/5/18
--------------------Buffon
Clyne----Sokratis----Vertonghen----Kurzawa
------------------Henderson
------------Parejo------Kovacic
Sterling-----------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Rulli, Inigo, Bertrand, Vecino, Bender, Thauvin, Simeone
Rulli is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.


For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery respectively to drift between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Lacazette, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite winger has the ball, the one without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.


When Lacazette is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.


Set Pieces


Corners - Kovacic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out between the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Henderson looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Parejo takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.




Free Kicks - Son takes Direct FK's


For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners




Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Thauvin for Son - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.



82 + 86 Mins - Vecino for Kovacic and Bertrand for Kurzawa - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Vecino for Henderson - Add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing



67 Mins - Thauvin, Inigo and Simeone for Henderson, Kurzawa and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 5/5/18
Balanced 3-5-2
We go with a pacey, hard working powerful side to support our front two. Using the pace of our two wing backs to stretch the play and get at Villa. Creating freedom for the top two to do their work. Tino goes two up top, so with 3 at the back we can go man for man with Azpi to sweep up. Allowing us to press high up the park and take the game to Villa.
Attacking with pace down the wings, Willian and Hazard looking to support the wing backs. Fabinho the defensive midfielder, who can also mix it up, Thiago the playmaker. We look to mix up our play, a mix of possession play and long balls to Ronaldo from Luiz.
Attacking at pace and defending in a solid unit. We have a hard working midfield, and so we look to defend high up the pitch. Playing a high line, and pressing. They have pace on the counter but we have pace at the back too, take the game to the opposition and make it difficult for them to play out. We want to score more than the opposition.
We look to control the game from the back, 3 cbs that are great on the ball. Controlling the game and possession from the back. Thiago and Fabinho both looking to link the defence and attack.
Key to our game plan today is attacking quickly,down the wings, and getting Willian in space between the lines. Two wing backs who are strong defensively and fantastic going forward. Odriozola is a lightning quick while everyon knows Marcelo. We look to dominate possession and get them wide and putting crosses in to the box. Hazard and Willian will drift wide to link up with them and work there way up the wings.
This will allow us to get the best out of Ronaldo, have him focused on getting in the right positions in the box, getting in behind the cbs. Hazard will add a distraction as he will also look to get beyond the opposition back line finding gaps to run through,the link up of the two will give us an added element to our attack.
A natural right footer on the right and a natural left footer on the left will add to the speed of our attacks, able to quickly play an early cross or through ball. Both are very strong defensively, and so when we are under pressure they will be important.
----------------- Schmeichel
------ Azpilicueta - Ramos -- D.Luiz
Odriozola -- Fabinho -- Thiago. A -- Marcelo
-------------------- Willian
-------------- Ronaldo -- E.Hazard
Subs. Pereira, Otamendi, Koke, Rafinha, Correa, James, D.Costa
Control possession, mixing it up with a few direct long balls from the back.
Defending in numbers
Attack and possession are the best form of defence. When we lose it, we have a hard working midfield who will look to press Villa make it difficult for them to play out.
When we don't have the ball we look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to.
We will be wary of the counter when we lose the ball. Ronaldo or Hazard look to close down the obvious passing lane, slow them down from the off. Behind them, we have two compact lines. The 3 cbs, and a midfield 5. The midfield 5 is not a flat line, Thiago and Willian are diagonally ahead of Fabinho, the two wingbacks in line with Fabinho.
On the right side of play Willian presses the ball and Thiago the space next to him. With the 3 (Fabinho and wbs) narrowing to the side of play behind. aAt this point the cbs will also move over to the side of play, one cb wide with 2 cbs central. And vice versa on the left side, with Thiago pressing ball, and the rest narrowing to the left.
In this formation we drop deeper as Villa push further foward. When defending our own third, the wb on the side of play drops to fb, and cm who were pressing on that side of play anyway will move to the wide position. Two compact lines of four.
Still in a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back. Then get forward quickly.
We don't leave much space between the lines. Compact lines. Always looking to have 9 players behind the ball. Happy to defend from deep when Villa get higher up the park.
Leaving Ronaldo and Hazard up top. Give us an option to counter quickly with a long ball when we win it.
Attack.
We will look to vary our play, playing out from the back or going long, we mix it up.
We push players forward. With Odriozola and Marcelo offering width, we seek to create space for our forwards by stretching the game and then getting crosses into them. Stretch the opposition, so Willian, Hazard and Ronaldo can find space in between the lines and so both Ronaldo and Hazard can find space between the cbs.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. The cms seeking to give them an option, Fabinho keeps it simpler in possession, Thiago more expansive, his long passing will allow us to switch quickly and put us on the front foot. Thiago and Willian seeking to both push forward into attacking positions.
We are happy for our defenders and Neuer to switch play up and go long at times.
Quick one-twos in the opposition half going down the lines. We have great pace up top, so want to get them in behind. If not we are happy for our players to take them on.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Sane for Willian. Fresh energy and pace as the game opens up more and players tire.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Diego Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh power.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Koke for Hazard. Rafinha to midfield, Sane off Costa in attack.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Diego Costa for Willian. Hazard to AM, behidn the front two.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Sane for Ronaldo. 3-4-3. Sane and Hazard either side of Costa.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Correa for Hazard, super sub.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Diego Costa and Sane for Ronaldo and Willian. Sane and Hazard either side of Costa.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Koke for Fabinho.
posted on 5/5/18
————————Ter Stegen
——Upamecano—Romagnoli—Skriniar
Conti———————Rodri—————————Gaya
————Harit——————Milinkovic-Savic
——————Mariano———Dybala
Subs: Gunn, Ampadu, Cristante, Tielemans, Bernardo Silva, Lozano, Abraham
Captain: Alessio Romagnoli
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Amine Harit
Penalties: Mariano Diaz
We build with fluid movement from the back, overloading the oppositions front line press with an extra CB so that the ball side CB can bring the ball into midfield and support Rodri in starting attacks. As this happens we want the ball side WB to push far up the field and the ball side CM to come and collect the ball, creating a triangle through which to build and draw Birmingham on to us. With the WB pushing forward and CM coming towards the ball, this will distort Birmingham’s shape and should work to either create space for the CM to receive the ball and make a forward pass, or for CB/Rodri to go more direct into the WB.
As we get into their half our movement in the attack will be key. As much as possible we look to keep the ball central, as we have a massive overload here. Ball side wide CB stays in the midfield line with Rodri, usually Upamecano for his dribbling and passing ability (leaving Skriniar and Romagnoli to isolate the CF(s)) and these two will act as 2nd passers. Harit and Milinkovic work on a tangent but with lots of attacking freedom, so when one pushes forward, the other is slightly deeper, giving us a midfield 3 with Upamecano and Rodri, that allows for circulation and to draw Birmingham’s midfielders away from the 10(s). Harit will be the playmaker, drifting about and using his eye of the needle passing and dribbling to open things up in the centre, and Milinkovic will be the runner, using his power to break through the midfield and get in the box for crosses too. Both can drift out to the flank to create overloads out wide with their WBs, both can drop deep and start attacks in their own ways, both can play as 10’s, and mainly they can work together so when one drops deep, the other goes to that side and they overload the DM to get between the lines.
WBs keep out on the touchline so that there’s more space for us to build through the middle. As we progress the ball through the centre these two have the chance to really hurt the opposition. If the opposition narrow to the middle to deal with our overload, we look to switch the ball to the WBs in the final third, so that they have time and space to get crosses in. If the opposition stretch out to try and negate the threat of the WBs, it opens up their DMs and CBs to a 4 v 4 with space to manoeuvre into, and this is where Upamecano becomes key, his ability to drive through the middle will draw midfielders towards him and in turn open space up for one of our 4 to drop into and from there we can kill the opponent. When the ball builds down the flanks, the opposite side FB can make diagonal runs into the box, escape the attention of the FB, Conti here particularly good as a goal threat. When we are getting crosses in, overload the box, Mariano and Milinkovic’s power, Dybala’s movement.
Dybala has a free role and he provides us with fluidity between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3, able to occupy their CBs, or drop into the half spaces and wide spaces as a 10/winger and cause damage all over the pitch. His dropping off will usually find him unmarked which will always spell trouble and also open space for Harit and Milinkovic to run behind, his dropping wide gives the FB a major decision, go with our best player, or follow the WB to the byeline. Mariano as the focal point, he enjoys the physical battle in and around the box and is lethal from anywhere within 30 yards of goal, if we want to go longer, with him we can.
Defensively we want to go with a high press and look to channel their play centrally towards our overload. We don’t want to give them an easy route to the centre though, it must be forced. Mariano and Dybala split slightly wide to cover the channels, with Harit pushing into the forward line to press the ball carrying defender. Milinkovic and Rodri step up onto the DM’s, Milinkovic with Matic, so that neither can collect the ball from build up. The defence pushes up in an arrow head shape, Romagnoli the deepest with the CF, (if they play two CFs then wide CBs pick them up, Romagnoli covers) and wide CBs pushed up so they can press midfield or wingers depending on where Birmingham go. This shape should push them out to the widest defender, from here we shift across to press, withe CF going across quickly and pushing the defender right up against the touchline, WB pushing right forward to go and make it 2 v 1 and ball side CM covering the longer direct ball into midfield. Harit drops back in with other CM, and the other CF joins them, so that all we leave is a longer ball that the CBs can mop up, or a diagonal under pressure ball to the DMs who will have 3 players ready to hound them and win the ball back high up. As we instigate the wider press, our defence shifts like a pendulum so when the ball side WB presses, the other WB drops back and the defence shifts across as a back 4 to avoid any space behind left behind the WB.
If they force us back, we switch to a 5-4-1, Dybala drops in at the tip of a diamond and we close the midfield off completely, creating a tight diamond around their main playmaker and forcing them to go wide, when they do we just initiate the wide press again. From here if they get any crosses in we have 3 huge CBs.
Subs:
If Winning: Ampadu and Lozano for Harit and Milinkovic-Savic 70’, changes in the key part of the field as we go to a 3-4-3, defending deeper with a block of 3 and 2 pressing around our area, drop off, don’t press high, lure Birmingham forward and hit them with the pace of Dybala and Lozano on the break, direct balls behind their midfield. Abraham for Mariano 75’.
If Drawing: Upamecano and Mariano off, Lozano and Bernardo Silva on 60’, 4-3-3 with two wingers to create overloads out wide. Cristante for Milinkovic-Savic, drops deeper and drives us forward.
If Losing: Cristante, Silva and Lozano for Harit, Conti and Gaya 65’, 3-2-3-2 with Silva and Lozano stretching the game, Cristante alongside Rodri to control midfield, Savic behind the forwards.
posted on 5/5/18
If Red:
GK > Gunn for Mariano
WB > Cristante for Mariano 4-4-1
CB > as above
Rodri > Ampadu for Mariano
CM > drop Dybala back
CF > no change
deep block.
posted on 5/5/18
---------------------Lloris
Danilo---Manolas—Kompany—Rodriguez
-----------Goretzka---Carvalho
Malcolm--------Barkley-----------Costa
-------------------Aspas
Pickford, Telles, D. Llorente, M. Llorente, Sessegnon, Mboula, Maitland-Niles
A return to a more classic 4-2-3-1 formation for today, as it is a game where we need the win, and, lacking the physical presence of Cavani up front, an additional AM may be able to help us play to the strengths of Aspas instead. We are still going to try to play with pace and directness, but instead of playing a wide game as we have recently, we are looking for the ball to be played primarily through Barkley, who will look to lift balls over the top to our willing runners in attack, whose aim will to be use their pace to get in behind the opposition. This means we are plying a different system, and I will expect to see us retain more possession than in past weeks, as we patiently wait for our opportunities.
Once again, Lloris and Kompany provide us the experience in goal and defence to marshal the others and keep us effectively organised. On the ball I intend to have us play out through the back, and think that all five members of the defensive unit are decent with their feet and the ball on the deck. For this to work, Lloris must be willing to make himself available at any opportunity. Goretzka and Carvalho can also drop deep and provide shorter options going forward, with Malcolm and Costa also dropping back into space to serve as options to get us directly on the attack. When off the ball I need both centre backs to be disciplined and not charge forward, allowing the CMs and the FBs to do most of the pressing, with the CBs keeping their attention on opposition strikers.
The full backs will play a slightly more restricted role in this week’s game, as they will not be able to bomb forward at every opportunity like they have before. They still have the license to get forward and support the attack, but must avoid leaving space behind them which can be exploited, and they would ideally only push forward one at a time, so as we have three defenders back to defend at any one time. When they do get forward then they are no longer restricted to just overlapping, and they can underlap their winger and get into the box if that is where the space is. This should provide us more bodies in the box and a wider variety of runs to pick out.
Goretzka and Carvalho have developed to be quite a team. They will press as one too, with one pushing forward to attack the ball and the player holding it, whilst the other looks to cut off balls forward, forcing the opposition into losing possession or being pushed backwards towards their own half. When we have possession of the ball then Goretzka can push forward towards the edge of the box, to add a bit more threat for the attack, and to provide an overlapping run down the middle for Barkley. Carvalho will push forward to the half way line, meaning that there is a ball backwards available should we need to use it. We can then look to utilise his passing range to put long balls over the top.
As stated elsewhere, barkley is key to this system, which might seem strange given the fact that he is often maligned, but he is talented when he gets on the ball in tight scenarios, and I am not expecting him to get in the box. Instead I want him to get his foot on the ball and release it quickly, looking for balls over the top to our pacy attackers. When we have the ball he will drop off and pick the ball up from our two CMs, before then looking to release it quickly. When off the ball, he will drop back to help defend in the midfield area of our own half, but not get into our own penalty area. He will then look to pick up the ball, turn, and start attacks with pace and precision.
Malcolm and Costa are playing on the wings today, and Aspas is leading our lines. I expect them to play as a trio, looking to get in behind the opposition and using their pace to get beyond the opposition defence, where Barkley will be looking to knock the ball through. This means that we can gets shots on goal, create plenty of one on ones, and look to pull the ball back to any of our other quick attackers. All these players have flair in their game as well, meaning that they can not just get behind for the ball to be played to them, but also use their tricks, skills and pace to get beyond the defence by running at them.
Substitutions
If losing/drawing
65 mins
Carvalho off Maitland-Niles on
A more box to box midfielder who can also push forward like Goretzka, Good with both feet, quick and strong. He suits this role very well.
75 mins
Aspas off Mboula on
Fresh legs up front to try and get in behind more. Replace Aspas, who may be flagging by this point.
80 mins
Costa off Sessegnon on
Same as Mboula. Utilise fresh legs and directness to try and work more chances against a defence that should be tiring by this point.
If winning
70 mins
Barkley off M. Llorente on
Drop back to a more conventional three in midfield, with Llorente sitting in front of the defence and shielding it from attacks. Goretzka will then play the more advanced role.
75 mins
Rodriguez off Telles on
Fresh legs at left back to contribute going forward, and mean that this side of the pitch can be less vulnerable.
85 mins
Costa off Sessegnon on
Fresh legs up front to get in behind against a tiring defence.
posted on 5/5/18
I need to change my bench should be Sane on bench not Otamendi
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