Europa Cup Final

Liverpool v Portsmouth

Portsmouth started lightening quick by pushing Liverpool back, they had a couple of early chances but Ter Stefen saved well, Liverpool hit on the 17th minute, a silly challenge by Walker on Dybala allowed the forward to float in a freekick from wide and Milinkovic rose early to get above Javi to knock home the first goal of the game. Portsmouth continued to attack and on 35 min they got their reward, Walker sprinting down the right hand side, played the ball into Ousmane, his touch took him passed Torreira and he played a neat through ball to Timo Werner, Ter Stegen was caught in no mans land and the German slotted it passed him as it went in off the post, Portsmouth continued the onslaught but Liverpool held firm until half time.

The second half Liverpool started to gain possession and held onto the ball well, but they just couldn't find a way to goal through a very stern defence and this like the first half for themselves was to be their downfall as Kyle Walker picked up the ball again, he played a one two with Kheidra and he found himself passed Gaya, he crossed in, Ter Stegen punched clear but only as far as Verratti, his quick control allowed him to play in Lewandowski quickly and he made no mistake to put Portsmouth in front on 54, subs were made as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, but the Portsmouth back 3/5 were in fine form giving them no change, Liverpool really went for it on 70 bringing on more attackers and really pushed Portsmouth back, unfortunately Mariano, Dybala and co just couldn't find the back of the net and when Portsmouth had possession they held onto the ball well as Liverpool chased shadows and they managed to hold on till the final whistle to give them a win. Either team could have won this but Portsmouth were a bit more composed in front of goal and very strong at the back

Liverpool 1 - 2 Portsmouth

Milinkovic(Dybala, 17)
Werner(Ousmane, 35), Lewandowski(Verratti, 54)
MOTM - Javi Martinez

Champions League Qualifiers
Leicester City
Chelsea
Portsmouth
Newcastle

Europa League
Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool
Wolves
Arsenal
Birmingham City

Barcelona - Barcelona, Madrid, Atletico, Valencia
PSG - PSG, Lyon, Monaco
Juventus - Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Inter
Bayern - Bayern, Schalke, Hoffenheim, BD

Villarreal - Villareal, Betis
Lazio - Lazio, AC
Leverkusen - Leverkuesen, Leipzig

Abdoulaye Sissako Lyon
Adem Ljajic - Inter Milan
Andre Ayew - PSG
Andros Townsend - Lyon
Anthony Modeste - Lyon
Bruno Fernandes - Roma
Bruno Peres - Inter
Carlos Bacca - Lyon
Carlos Vela - Atletico Madrid
Clément Grenier - Lyon
Dusan Tadic - AC Milan
Eder Balanta - Villarreal
Fernando Reges - Monaco
Georges-Kévin N'Koudou - Roma
Hatem Ben Arfa - Lyon
Jan Bednarek - Lyon
Jesus Corona - Valencia
Jonathan Calleri - Villareal
Lucas Biglia - Lazio
Lucas Lima - Barcelona
Manuel Morlanes - Villareal
Mario Pasalic - AC Milan
Maxime Gonalons - Lyon
Moreto Cassama - Atleitco Madrid
N'Sana Simon - Monaco
Nolito - Valencia
Olivier Giroud - Monaco
Papa Cheikh Diop - Lyon
Ramy Bensebaini - Valencia
Roman Burki - Inter Milan
Stefano Sensi - Lazio
Stephane Lichtsteiner - PSG
Thiago Motta -PSG
Tiago Dias - AC Milan
Oriol Romeu - Valencia
Moussa Sissoko - Lyon
Manolo Gabbiadini - Lazio
Gonzalo Castro - Leverkusen
Manu Garcia - Villarreal
Lukasz Piszczek - Borussia Dortmund
Karim Bellarabi - Bayer Leverkusen
Borja Valero - Inter Milan
Martin Montoya - Valencia
Diego Perrotti - Roma
Memphis Depay - Lyo
Cedric Bukambu - AC Milan
Vicente Iborra - Villarreal
Matija Nastasic - Schalke
Rick Karsdorp - Roma
Kerim Demirbay - Bayer Leverkusen
Sandro Ramirez - Valencia
Shopf - Schalke
Elias Abouchabaka - Liepzig
Niklas Stark - Hoffenheim - 10m
Mauricio Lemos - Valencia
Kevin Trapp - PSG
Ghezzal - Monaco
Jose Mauri - AC Milan
Jese Rodriguez - Villarreal
Vraciu - Valencia
Joel Matip - Schalke
Mor - Celta Vigo
Ferhant Cogalan - Valencia
Yussuf Poulsen - RB Leipzig
Juan Cuadrado - Juventus
Loren Moron - Real Betis
Dalbert - Inter Milan
Luis Muriel - Vilarreal
Andriy Yarmolenko - Dortmund
Manuel Lanzini - Lazio
Lars Bender FG - Bayer Leverkusen
Matias Vecino FG - Inter
Mateo Musacchio - Villarreal
Kenny Tete FG - Lyon
Diadie Samassékou - RB Leipzig
Juan Mata - Valencia
Radamel Falcao - Monaco
Allan - Napoli
Jack Bonaventura - AC Milan
Pedro Rodriguez - Atletico Madrid
Bruma Banga - RB Leipzig
Omar Mascarell - Schalke
Jeremy Toljan- Borussia Dortmund
Shokdran Mustafi - Valencia
Nabil Bentaleb - Schalke
Francis Coquelin - Valencia
Juan Bernat - Bayern
Mario Gotze - Dortmund
Marko Arnautovic - Schalke
Keylor Navas - Real Madrid
Dani Alves - PSG
Stefan Savic - Atletico Madrid
William Carvalho - Real Betis
Marcos Rojo - Vilarreal
Fernando Muslera - Lazio
Lucas Alario - Bayer Leverkusen
Abdourahmane Barry - RB Salzburg
Elias Abouchabaka - RB Leipzig

Pedro Neto - Lazio
Layvin Kurzawa - PSG
Antonio Sanabria - Real Betis

Matteo Politano- 17m - Inter Milan
Mohamed Elyounoussi - Real Betis

Champions League

Group A
Leicester City
Portsmouth
Barcelona
Juventus

Group B
Chelsea
Newcastle
PSG
Bayern Munich


Europa League

Group A
Liverpool
Arsenal
Wolves
Lazio

Group B
Tottenham Hotspur
Birmingham
Leverkuesen
Villareal

Barcelona - Barcelona, Madrid, Atletico, Valencia
PSG - PSG, Lyon, Monaco
Juventus - Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Inter
Bayern - Bayern, Schalke, Hoffenheim, BD

Villarreal - Villareal, Betis, Sevilla
Lazio - Lazio, AC
Leverkusen - Leverkuesen, Leipzig

Aleix Vidal
Claudio Bravo
Mario Gaspar
Ramiro Funes Mori
Marc Bartra
Jose Lara

Sevilla Players

Barcelona(Real, Barca, Atletico, Valencia):
GK: Neto
GK: Jasper Cillesen
DF: Sergio Roberto
DF: Stefan Savic
DF: Nacho Fernandez
DF: Thiago Silva
DF: Pique
DF: Jordi Alba
MF: Isco
MF: Daniel Wass
MF: Dani Parejo
MF: Juan Mata
MF: Andreas Pereira
MF: Yannick Carrasco
FW: Pedro Rodriguez
FW: Lionel Messi
FW: Gareth Bale
FW: Lucas Vazquez

Barcelona(Real, Barca, Atletico, Valencia):
GK: Neto
GK: Jasper Cillesen
DF: Sergio Roberto

DF: Stefan Savic

DF: Nacho Fernandez

DF: Thiago Silva

DF: Pique
DF: Jordi Alba

MF: Isco

MF: Daniel Wass

MF: Dani Parejo

MF: Juan Mata
MF: Andreas Pereira
MF: Yannick Carrasco
FW: Pedro Rodriguez
FW: Lionel Messi
FW: Gareth Bale
FW: Lucas Vazquez

Juventus(Juve, Roma, Napoli, Inter):
GK: Samir Handanovic
GK: Roman Burki
DF: Dalbert

DF: Mehdi Benatia

DF: Raul Albiol
DF: Daniele De Rossi

DF: Kwado Asamoah
DF: Mattia De Sciglo

MF: Emre Can

MF: Andre Gomes

MF: Bruno Fernandes

MF: Juan Cuadrado
MF: Diego Perotti
MF: Allan
FW: Lorenzo Insigne
FW: Edin Dzeko
FW: Matteo Politano
FW: Simone Verdi

Bayern Munich(Bayern, Schalke, Dortmund, Hoffenheim):
GK: Ralf Farhmann
GK: Oliver Baumann
DF: Naldo

DF: Kevin Vogt

DF: Joshua Kimmich
DF: David Alaba

DF: Niklas Stark
DF: Jonas Hector

MF: Toni Kroos

MF: Sebastian Rudy

MF: Granit Xhaka

MF: Florian Grillitsch
MF: Christian Pulisic
MF: Marius Wolf
FW: Marko Arnautovic
FW: Mark Uth
FW: Sandro Wagner
FW: Thomas Muller

PSG(PSG, Lyon, Monaco):
GK: Alphonse Areola
GK: Anthony Lopes
DF: Dani Alves

DF: Thomas Meunier

DF: Juan Bernat
DF: Presnel Kimpembe

DF: Jemerson
DF: Kamil Glik

MF: Maxime Gonalons

MF: Moussa Sissoko

MF: Victor Wanyama

MF: Giovani Lo Celso
MF: Tanguy Ndombele
MF: Jean-Eudes Aholou
FW: Memphis Depay
FW: Radamel Falcao
FW: Olivier Giroud
FW: Carlos Bacca

Bayer Leverkusen(Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart):
GK: Lukas Hradecky
GK: Peter Gulasci
DF: Sven Bender
DF: Willy Orban
DF: Ibrahim Konate
DF: Marcel Halstenberg
DF: Emiliano Insua
DF: Andreas Beck
MF: Gonzalo Castro
MF: Lars Bender
MF: Kai Havertz
MF: Marcel Sabizter
MF: Xhedran Sahqiri
MF: Kerim Demirbay
FW: Isaac Kiese Thelin
FW: Jean Kevin-Augustin
FW: Yousef Poulsen
FW: Kevin Volland

Vilarreal(Villarreal, Sevilla, Betis)
GK: Claudio Bravo
GK: Sergio Asenjo
DF: Matteo Musacchio

DF: Marcos Rojo

DF: Joris Gangnon
DF: Gabriel Mercado

DF: Mario Gaspar
DF: Miguel Layun
MF: Santiago Caseres

MF: Andres Guardado

MF: William Carvalho

MF: Pablo Fornals
MF: Santi Cazorla
MF: Pablo Sarabia
FW: Nikola Kalinic
FW: Gerard Moreno
FW: Luis Muriel
FW: Loren Moron

Lazio (Lazio, AC Milan)
GK: Pepe Reina
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma
DF: Luiz Felipe

DF: Wallace

DF: Francisco Acerbi
DF: Senad Lulic
DF: Adam Marusic
DF: Davide Calabria
MF: Lucas Biglia

MF: Marco Parolo

MF: Giacomo Bonaventura

MF: Hakan Calhanoglu
MF: Dusan Tadic
MF: Manuel Lanzini
FW: Andrija Zivkovic
FW: Arkadiusz Milik
FW: Cedric Bukambu
FW: Manolo Gabbiadini

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham

Injuries: Timo Werner, Jerome Boateng, Leon Bailey, Luis Alberto

----------------------- Courtois -----------------------
S.Aurier ----- E.Bailly ----- D.Sanchez -– Hernandez
---------------------- S.Khedira ----------------------
--------------- Eriksen ------- Draxler --------------
C.Under ---------- D.Sturridge ----------- L.Moura

Subs:
McCarthy, Alonso, Lenglet, Verratti, Modric, Asensio, Aguero

Captain: Eriksen
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Sturridge
Corners: Under

Team Tactics

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today. With games coming thick and fast we rotate to freshen things up and give some of our peripheral players a chance to shine in Europe. With fierce competition for places they should be eager to impress and put themselves in contention for a starting berth in this weekend’s upcoming fixture. As always our focus will be on free flowing attacking football as we go with personnel we expect to excel in this set up.

Our twin AM’s will be key components of this style as Eriksen and Draxler offer great quality on the ball whilst they both have the ability to break the lines and play a killer final ball to our attacking trio. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition, continually make them chase the ball by switching the ball between our midfield trio. The opposition have some dangerous players however we will look to limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence 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 will be won.

When the opposition are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation. The aim of the game will be to break at speed with our wide players offering an immediate outlet when we win back possession. They will drive forward as we get men up in support of Sturridge and carve the opposition open with devastating effect.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong pacy CB’s to deal with the threat posed by the oppositions forwards. We will look to be dominant at the back as we aim to take the sting out of the opposition early on and play on the front foot. Our fullbacks have license to push forward when in possession, Aurier in particular offers a real threat down the right. Under will often drift infield taking the opposition fullback with him which will create space for Aurier to attack, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Sturridge whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Hernandez will focus slightly more on his defensive duties to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack.

If the opposition play one up top then Bailly will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Sanchez will sweep up and cover in behind, pacy and powerful he offers great protection in behind and his superb aerial strength will be a key asset in defending crosses into the box.

Midfield:

Khedira plays in the DM role, solid defensively he will provide a shield in front of our back line and look to be our main ball winner in the middle of the park. With two creative playmakers ahead of him he will focus primarily on being a destructive force, breaking up the opposition play however also contribute to our attacking play with his superb distribution of the ball from deep. We aim to dominate possession and go with two technically astute players in the AM roles. Ball retention will be key, keep the ball and make them chase. This will invariably open up space for our forwards as we pull the opposition out of place and look to exploit any openings. Eriksen and Draxler operate as twin playmakers, both have a penchant for assists but don’t be afraid to shoot should the opportunity arise. With the pace of our front three the opposition will invariably drop deep and if the chance to shoot from distance arises then take it. We look to pepper the opposition with shots as we go for goals.

Forwards:

Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front three have it all. Our wide players will look to take the opposition on at will. Under and Moura both have license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal, we encourage them to utilise their terrific pace and go at the opposition. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Sturridge to be slipped in and finish. Both will look to make jinking runs into the box where they can draw a foul or drive to the byline and whip the ball into Sturrudge in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic work rate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Under has a tremendous strike from distance and is encouraged to shoot on sight. Sturridge plays through the middle, a player with fantastic movement and real predator. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as he looks to lay down a marker and challenge Aguero for a place in the regular starting line up.

Subs;

If winning:
60 mins: Eriksen off, Verratti on.
70 mins: Draxler off, Lenglet on. 5-4-1 with Lenglet forming a CB trio alongside Bailly and Sanchez as we tighten up and look to see the game out.

If drawing:
60 mins: Draxler off, Modric on. Extra creativity.
70 mins: Sturridge and Moura off, Aguero and Asensio on. We bring on the big guns for the finale as we push for the winner.

If losing:
55 mins: Khedira off, Modric on.
65 mins: Hernandez and Draxler off, Aguero and Asensio on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Sturridge and Asensio up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal

Injuries: Strinic, Begovic, Ozil, Diawara

------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Marquinhos - Tah - Shaw
-- Rakitic - Fernandinho - Meyer
--- Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic

Subs: Leno, Maffeo, Vida, Sturaro, Matic, Vitolo, Alcacer

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

A tough but winnable game today against Arsenal, hopefully our back four will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.

We are playing a 4-3-3 today, Arrizabalaga in goal, Marquinhos and Tah at centreback, Hakimi and Shaw at fullback, Rakitic, Fernandinho and Meyer in midfield, Di Maria and Perisic either side of Immobile upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Arsenal are going to fight hard and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.

Arrizabalaga - 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 Immobile.

Marquinhos/Tah - Marquinhos mark their striker, force them high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Tah 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.

Hakimi/Shaw - Both of you to force the Arsenal 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 Di Maria and Perisic 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 Immobile and link with Rakitic and Meyer. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Fernandinho - Our DM today, sit in front of the back four, break up play, watch out for runs from deep from the opposition, when in possession use your range of passing to look for teammates in advanced positions, use Rakitic and Meyer alongside you if you're closed down.

Rakitic/Meyer - Two box to box midfielders today, one either side of Fernandinho at DM. Both of you are required to get back and assist Fernandinho in front of the back four when we don't have the ball, but both with the ability and the freedom to push forward and join the front three, while always leaving at least one of you behind the ball. Look to link with Di Maria, Perisic or Immobile.

Di Maria/Perisic - Both with the trickery to beat the Arsenal 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 Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Rakitic and Meyer, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.

Immobile - you will be expected to occupy the Arsenal 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 Di Maria or Perisic on occasion. Try and link with the two alongside you to create opportunities.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Di Maria, Perisic and Meyer off, Vida, Matic and Sturaro on. Change to 5-3-1-1, Vida an extra CB, midfield trio of Sturaro, Fernandinho and Matic, with Rakitic in the AM role providing support to Immobile upfront.

If drawing: Meyer off, Vitolo on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Rakitic and Fernandinho in midfield, Vitolo to RW, Di Maria to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.

If losing: Tah and Meyer off, Vitolo and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Marquinhos - Shaw at the back, Fernandinho the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Rakitic - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.

----------------------- Oblak -----------------------
Vrsaljko ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Sandro
---------------------- Tousart ----------------------
----------------- Aouar ---- Pogba ----------------
Mbappe ----------------------------------- Neymar
------------------- Lewandowski ------------------

Gunn, Akanji, Kessie, Maddison, Coman, Bernardeschi, Rodrigo, Barrow

Possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, we don't sit too deep with Aouar, Tousart & Pogba just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and the front 3 in and around the half way line, Lewandowski slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Aouar and Pogba to dictate play, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

Varane picks up the CF, Stones spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly when we have possession, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, fullbacks must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks 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. When they attack, only one at a time as to not let ourselves be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro and Vrsaljko get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to cut inside. the two always make themselves available to the wingers. I want both Varane and Stones to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Tousart sitting back.

In the centre of the pitch are Aouar, Tousart and Pogba. Tousart our deepest player sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, Aouar and Pogba must be disciplined and lend a hand to stop them coming through. Tousart must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Aouar slightly higher up the pitch, he will stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, make our midfield very difficult to pass through, protect our defence and Tousart as best as possible and again in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Pogba as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Pogba is essential to our style of play, he is the link(alongside Aouar) between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in a 10 role and look for the Aouar pass. he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Neymar and Mbappe will cause them problems as they switch around at times, will see us make their defenders move out of position to follow their player, thus allowing Pogba to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Lewandowski who has the power and ability to beat any defender and the other winger who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Lewandowski right on top of the young goalkeeper to put a lot of pressure on him, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game.


Captain - Varane
Pens - Lewandowski
Corners - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar

Subs

Losing -
70 Mins Rodrigo for Aouar go 4-4-2
80 Mins - Bernardeschi for Lewandowski, he goes RW and Mbappe up front

WInning -
75 Mins - Kessie for Aouar, drop back a bit
85 Mins - Rodrigo for Lewandowski

Drawing -
70 Mins - Bernardeschi for Aouar, he goes to RW and Mbappe in a SS role

Bayer Leverkuesen - Europa League v Villareal

--------------------- Hradecky -------------------
A.Beck ---- W.Orban ---- Konate ---- E.Insua
------------- L.Bender ---- Demme ------------
Sabitzer ----------- Havertz ----------- Shaqiri
---------------------- Volland ---------------------

Losing - Poulsen for Demme, Havertz to CM and go 442
Winning - Castro for Demme fresh legs
Drawing - Poulsen for Volland, Castro for Demme

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Umtiti___Robbo
__________Jorginho
________Kante___James
Salah______Suarez________Mane

SUBS: Rose, Radja, Milner, Koke, N’Zonzi, Reus, Bobby

Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Koke
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: Koke

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

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Our right back will also tuck in to help solidify the team.

The regista will drop in to form a back three so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The regista will be the link between our defence and midfield and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more defensive one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible interception ability. Playing alongside the regista will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.

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

The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball back to the regista to keep possession and to keep the ball moving.

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

Subs

65 mins: Radja comes on for James, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Radja will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.

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

If winning 80 mins: N’Zonzi comes on for Jorginho to close out the game. He is capable in defensive midfield alongside Kante in a 4-2-3-1.

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

Villareal v Leverkuesen

----------------------- Bravo -----------------------
Gaspar ---- Gnagnon ---- Musachio --- M.Rojo
--------------------- Carvalho ---------------------
---------------- Fornals -- Cazorla ---------------
------ Moreno ------ Moron ------ L.Muriel -----

Losing - Kalinic for Cazorla
Winning - Caseres for CAzorla
Drawing - Sarabia for Cazorla

All subs on 70

Bayer Leverkuesen subs on 70 too

---------------- Donnarumma ---------------
Calabria --- Acerbi --- Walace --- S.Radu
-------------- Parolo --- Biglia --------------
---- Bonaventura -------- Calhanoglu -----
-------------- A.Milik -- Bakambu ----------

Losing - Gabbiadini for Calhanoglu 433
Drawing/Winning - Tadic for Bakambu 451, Tadic RW, Hakan LW

4-2-3-1 Counter

We setup with a strong defensive platform, hitting Pompey with quick pacey attacks as we go direct and down the wings when attacking. We go with two strong defensive midfielders in front of the defence, looking to give the defence strong cover and give the attacking players more freedom to break forward quickly.

Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing from our midfield in when defending the final third. Attacking down the wings, with Carvajal bombing forward on the overlap one at a time, giving the attacking midfielders real freedom in attack. Kehrer plays as our third defender, his pace up will be ley defending players in wide positions.

The attacking midfield trio come deep to get behind the ball and ensure there is no space, picking up runners from deep. Ensuring there is no space and that we outnumber them significantly. When we win the ball we break quickly.

In attack we use the pace and quick link up play of our AMs, target Pompey out wide. We always leave one fb back, the other bombs forward. Sane on the right, a natural right footer looks to use his pace and the oppositions lack of a left footed cb to go down the outside and drive behind. If 3 cbs, press the lcb, force a mistake.

Hummels adds a great ability to read the play which we feel is perfect next to Laporte who loves to get stuck in, and the attacking full backs. Allow the opposition to have the ball in their own half. Doucoure will play in a box to box role next to Casmiro, strong defensively but also adding power to our attack when we can break.

We look to play out quickly from the back. The attacking trio look to find space as soon as we win the ball. Sane always looks to play as wide as possible on the right, stretch the opposition and create space for Doucoure, Coutinho and Hazard inside. Hazard has more freedom on the left, play his natural game while Coutinho always looks for space in between the opposition defence and attack.


-------------------- Neuer
Carvajal - Hummels - Laporte - Kehrer
---------- Casemiro - Doucoure
Geubbels ----- Coutinho ------- Sane
------------------ D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Alexander Arnold, Partey, Gundogan, Hazard, Martial, Ronaldo

We defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We defend with a relatively deep line, not allowing space behind. Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact rigid defensive unit, so that Silva or Griezzman can't find space. Or if they play wide players then they wont find space in the areas they like to when coming inside. When we lose the ball the closest midfielder presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Allowing others to get deep and into shape. Looking to stop or slow any counter attacks.

The cbs keep next to each other and don't get sucked out of their line letting the dms deal with forwards that drop deep. Keep the line. Laporte the cb marking their most advanced forward. Hummels the cb that looks to sweep up, he will work with Casemiro to ensure that their second most advanced attacker (Griezzman likely) is always picked up. With these two under lock and key, Casemiro again will then work with Doucoure to keep KdB quiet. This means there is always one free to press any deep runners from deep.

Coutinho will look to hold the space in front of the two dms to stop any passing lanes here and ensure there is no space for players from deep to break into, simply being in the right place. Sane has a great work ethic and so we expect him to really help Kehrer out. If he's picking up an attacking wb, this should allow the fbs to be more zonal, and be in a position where he can help Sane/cbs if they do get in behind. On the other side Carvajal deals with their most attacking wide player. We expect a big shift from Geubbels.

If they play wide players Casemiro holds a central position picking up the AM, and Doucoure is ball side of him helping the fb and winger to defend against their threat as the wide players they could play like to come inside anyway.

Coutinho focus on dropping deep and being in the right positions to block passing lanes and ensure there is no space for the opposition to work in.

Leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create, if they beat a man, they'll run into another. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through, Doucoure goal side of Casemiro pressing the ball.

Defenders marshalling the team in a tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation.

Attack

We look to play direct in attack, hit them on the counter using our pace. Casemiro and Doucoure offering options. Carvajal the full back who drives forward and links with Geubbels.

Coutinho will always be looking for space in between their midfield and defence. We want quick one twos in the opposition half, using our wingers to get in behind and link with Costa.

Costa has freedom to play his natural game.

Subs. If winning or drawing after 70 mins bring on Partey for Doucoure. Fresh injection of pace and power.
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Hazard for Geubbels. Sane goes right.

If winning after 80 mins bring on Martial for Sane. Pure pace and power to help us get at space Pompey leave when they push for a goal.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Ronaldo for Geubbels, up top with Costa, Sane right Couts left. 4-2-2-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gundogan for Doucoure.

——————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola———Rudiger—————Diallo———Castro
———————————Rodri
—————B.Silva—————————Milinkovic
Harit————————Dybala———————Sancho

Subs: Svilar, Christensen, Zinchenko, McKennie, Mount, Guedes, Brandt

Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Bernardo Silva
Corners: Bernardo Silva
Penalties: Paulo Dybala

In build up we look to beat the press through clever movement. Lazio’s striker tends to press passing lanes to the DM, so we want Rodri to use his movement behind him to manipulate the strikers position and create space for others to drop into and receive the ball. We overload the striker with the ball side FB tucking into the half space as an extra option for circulation, with he far side FB stretched out. The tucked in FB will draw forward both winger and CM when he receives the ball, which allows our CM to stretch out into some open space higher up, with the ball far CM dropping deeper to aid circulation. Provoke the press by using the CBs to give the ball to one FB, and then the FB to return the ball to the CB, moving their press towards one half space or one flank, and opening up space elsewhere.

In the early stages we use this to encourage Lazio forward and then we can use the CBs/GK to pick out Milinkovic with longer balls to bypass the lines of press and set up position behind or down the side of their midfield, his hold up play allows us to exploit these gaps, and will disrupt their pressing style, force them to sit deeper, giving us more time on the ball to build and them less of a threat going forward.

We know Lazio will play compactly, so we have to work our way through and round their midfield to create chances. As we advance we want Castro to stay tucked in, his ability to play on either foot and to play centrally gives us great flexibility. He will form a midfield 3 alongside Rodri and Silva that allows us to provoke their CMs into moving out of their position. Odriozola will look to push higher up on the right and stretch the game, with Sancho doing the same on the left, two players who can beat their men and get balls in, but also make excellent out to in and underlapping runs when a team mate moves wide to open up the space. They keep the Lazio Fbs pegged back, putting more onus on the CMs and wingers to defend the likes of Silva, Harit, Dybala and Milinkovic, which isn’t their natural game.

This will free up Milinkovic, SIlva and Harit to play in the half spaces, and closer to Dybala. Their ability in the half space to receive a pass and draw players towards them before successfully beating the challenge, or picking out a teammate will be crucial. They can combine with their ball side players in triangles to overload the opposition in the half space before moving the ball wide for a cross, or across to the opposite side of the field, using aggressive ball side overloads to free up these areas, leaving one of Harit/Milinkovic free in space. Both are also excellent at making runs into the box and scoring goals.

The versatility of the players we have means we expect overlapping, underlapping and diagonal movement from their base positions, staying connected through a series of triangles, so we can use diagonal passing between their lines, meaning that when our players receive a pass, more than one opposition player will be attracted to the ball, opening space for others to move into. Bernardo can be particularly key to this tactic, with his ability to orchestrate from deep, as well as drifting wide and higher up towards goal; at times Odriozola tucks in to the midfield, giving Silva and Harit free reign to combine down the left. Likewise down the right, at times Milinkovic can drop back and allow Castro to overlap and Sancho to come inside, where his pace between FB and CB cause real issues.

Dybala as a false 9, between the lines.

Layered high press, using the curved runs of the wingers towards the opposition CBs to squeeze them towards the middle, Dybala drops deeper to cover the space between the CBs and CMs, with our CMs pushed up on to their CMs, making a 2-1-2 press that outnumbers them centrally and makes it easier to win the ball back, blocking all vertical passing lanes and suffocating the ball carrier. Behind this the FBs in the half spaces in line with Rodri to provide an extra layer of protection centrally, leaving no space between main press and the block behind, but also keeping their higher position so they can get out to the wingers quickly with support from the ball side CM if Lazio try and squeeze a ball through to them. Rodri just ahead of the CBs, the three creating a block around the CF to keep him isolated, but also able to step forward into midfield and mop up, or drop into CB if one of the CBs has to go and defend wide areas against longer balls.

Next phase of press is a 4-1-5, with Fbs dropping slightly if Lazio beat the high press, wingers dropping wide to cover balls back to the FBs. If they continue to advance we drop to a 4-5-1, closing the middle ground off, with the FBs back in their natural positions.

FBs are key to this press, by having them tucked in higher up the pitch it forces opponents to have to go around us, rather than through the middle, which takes them longer and allows our team more time to get back into defensive positions. To aid this the Fbs are quick to press if the opposition winger or FB receives a pass, using their positioning in the half spaces to put immediate pressure on, either getting tight to the winger to slow him down, or using his cover shadow to block to pass to the winger if the FB is on the ball. We expect Lazio’s wingers to be pegged back by our FBs attacking movements.





Subs:

If Winning: Mckennie for Harit 70’, Silva to RW, McKennie into midfield. Mount for Milinkovic 75’. Guedes for Dybala 80’.

If Drawing: Guedes and Brandt for Milinkovic and Sancho 70’, 4-2-3-1, get Dybala in behind Guedes. Mount for Harit 75’, bit of something different to run at tiring midfielders.

If Losing: Brandt and Guedes for Milinkovic and Sancho 60’, Dybala in alongside Silva, Brandt and Harit from wide but gives a very flexible 4-1-4-1 to overload their midfield. Zinchenko for Rodri 70’.

--------------------Lloris
Danilo---Manolas---Sane---Rodriguez
-----------Goretzka---Ramsey
Malcom--------Aspas---------Costa
------------------Cavani
Pickford, Llorente, Maitland-Niles, Cook, Foden, Tadic, Wood
A change of formation and a change of pace for today’s game. I have reverted to a 4-2-3-1, but without a conventional number 10 sitting in behind Edinson Cavani. Today I intend to play a counter attacking game, given the pace that I believe we posses on the break, utilising our wide men and Aspas to hit the opposition with devastating effect. The system I have in place requires great discipline from the players I have picked today. For the counter attack to work then everyone needs to be on their game and know how to play.
Defensively I have picked Salif Sane to step in for the injured Kompany, which I see as a move away from a ball playing defender and towards a more rough and physical presence. This is what I want from Sane. Him and Manolas will work as a defensive unit, with Salif challenging for aerial balls and being strong in the tackle, pushing forward to support the press, whilst Manolas covers the space in behind him. Both will pick up the ball and look to distribute it long, knocking balls over the top down the line for wingers, or into the head or chest of Cavani. Should they be under pressure then balls should be made available to their respective full back or one of the deep lying centre mids. I do not want either spending too much time on the ball as that invites pressure.
Danilo and Rodriguez will be playing a more muted role today. I won’t be demanding them to energetically get themselves up and down the line, but I will be looking for them to play the ball out from the back, and make themselves available for switches of play. They will be allowed to get forward and overlap, but only ever one at a time so that we don’t get caught out defensively with too much space in behind. These overlapping runs will provide extra men forward on the counter, and allow their respective winger to cut inside and try to get in the penalty area. Not committing them both forward should make it easier defensively, and both have the space and energy to get back and make covering runs, and if not then we will have two deep lying midfielders covering them.
Ramsey and Goretzka, like Sane and Manolas, will work as a unit in the middle for me today. Neither will be given much license to get forward, save for at free kicks and corners, and will instead sit deep and shield the defence. Ramsey will act as a wild dog in midfield, pressing and harassing the opposition into losing possession in the middle of the pitch. When he presses forward then Goretzka will cover the space in behind him, and vice versa should it be Goretzka that pushes forward to try and win possession. When on the ball we will keep them sitting just in front of the defence, but with them looking to play defence splitting passes over the top to our pacy wingers.
Iago Aspas plays a shadow striker role today, operating in a role where he sits back, before making runs from deep beyond Cavani in support of the wide players. He will stay forward when defending corners, and will stay up with Cavani when the opposition move forward. Aspas will spend most of the game looking to challenge for and win the second balls that drop off Cavani. I think that, by trying to get in behind and adding another body in the box, we can cause havoc for the Wolves defence.
In Malcom and Costa we have two wide men that can stretch the opposition, whilst also utilising their pace to get in behind the Wolves defence. When they have the ball they will be direct, either carrying the ball down the line before whipping a ball in for Cavani or drilling it low for Aspas, or charging at the opposition centre backs, creating space for the two strikers that we are playing. When off the ball they will aim to pull the opposition defence out of position, again to create some space in behind. When the opposition have the ball, I expect them to drop back mid way into our half, marking the space, and allowing them to contribute to quick counter attacks. They will look to especially target the Wolves full backs and overload them out wide, as we think that is where they can be exploited defensively.
It may seem that Edinson Cavani may have a muted role due to the reliance on counter attacks and pace that I have stressed thus far in my tactics, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I intend for Cavani to be the focus of our attacks, with Costa, Malcom and Aspas running off him. Cavani will use his physical presence to win aerial balls, which will set up the movement from the other players that I just mentioned. He will of course, still be allowed to get in the box, as he poses such an aerial threat, as well as one on the ground. When they have the ball I expect him to harry and press at the back, forcing errors from the defenders.
Substitutions
If winning
Iago Aspas off for Lewis Cook 65 mins
Taking off the shadow striker for a deeper lying CM. Ramsey will drop back and we will revert to a 4-3-3 system. Ramsey will play at the heart, with Ramsey and Goretzka either side of him. They will still look to play balls over the top out wide, and Goretzka will be allowed to play a box to box role, so he still contributes going forward and gets into the box.
Malcom off for Dusan Tadic 75 mins
Tadic may not be an obvious change at this time, but I expect him to come on and slow down the pace of the game, picking up the ball and whipping in crosses for Cavani. He will also look to hold the ball out wide, as we intend to retain possession for the last few minutes of the game whilst we lead.
Ricardo Rodriguez off for Ainsley Maitland-Niles 80 mins
A change to the defence, but fresh legs for the last ten minutes, when Wolves will probably be throwing the kitchen sink at us. AMN is strong and quick, allowing us a bit more pace to cover down that side.
If losing/drawing
Aaron Ramsey off for Phil Foden 70 mins
An attacking midfielder on for our dogged midfielder. Foden will play a different role to Ramsey, whilst playing mainly deeper than he is maybe accustomed to. We will try to get him on the ball, so that he can drive forward with it and play incisive and dangerous passes. He is our wild card.
Diego Llorente and Chris Wood on for Danilo and Riccardo Rodriguez 80 mins
A change of formation as we chase the points. We will be going 3-2-3-2, with Aspas, Malcom and Costa all playing off Wood and Cavani who will utilise their physicality to try and create space and cause problems in the box. Goretzka will sit in front of the defence and shield, whilst Foden has the license to attack.