-------------------------- Courtois
------- D.Sanchez ----- E.Bailly ------ C.Lenglet
Cancelo ----- M.Verratti ------ L.Modric ------ M.Alonso
----------- M.Asensio --------------- C.Eriksen
-------------------------- S.Aguero
Subs:
Hart, Aurier, Dier, Khedira, L.Moura, A.Silva, D.Sturridge
Team Tactics
We go with a side packed with creative talent as we go all guns blazing in front of a raucous home crowd. We aim to dominate possession and hit the opposition at speed, looking for the runs of our wide players and front three at all times. With three solid central defenders we feel that this gives the Verratti and Modric the freedom to dominate possession in the knowledge that they have three solid CB’s offering defensive cover. We expect the opposition to play a three man midfield which makes Eriksen a key component of today’s set up. Whilst he is deployed in an advanced position to really showcase his attacking prowess, when the opposition are in possession we switch from 3-4-3 to 5-3-2 to ensure that we are not outnumbered in the middle of the park.
Eriksen drops in from the flank to accompany Verratti and Modric, limiting the space for the opposition to play through the middle, whilst Asensio moves up top alongside Aguero offering an immediate outlet when we recover possession and look to hit them on the break. In possession Eriksen will look to float between the lines. We feel a midfield trio of Eriksen, Verratti and Modric will boss the game possession wise and continually make the opposition chase the ball, tiring them out and creating gaps in their defence.
Whilst we line up solid defensively with 3 CB’s we very much field plenty of attacking prowess with our WB’s, CM’s and attacking trio all carrying a real goal threat.
In addition to dominating the middle of the park we will also at times look to mix things up. Stretch the play out wide, hit them on the flanks and get the ball into the box for the deadly Aguero for finish. In this set up we have the ability to hit them
from all angles.
Defence
We expect the opposition to play with one central striker and two wide forwards. To account for this we drop into a back 5 as soon as they are in possession. This will allow us to overwhelm their CF and remain solid defensively on the flanks, giving their wide players no room to operate. We therefore deploy a strong and more importantly, quick central back three. When the opposition are in possession we sit deep. Eliminate the space in behind and take out the ball over the top. Alonso and Cancelo both have license to push forward, albeit one at a time. They both have superb delivery from out wide and add yet another string to our attacking bow.
Midfield
CM will be a key battle, for that reason we go possession based but also with players that possess great vision and are able to pick a pass in the blink of an eye. We will really look to punish the opposition on the counter so it is vital that we have the players with the vision to hurt them. Receive the ball, head up and look for the decisive pass. Modric is a majestic player and we expect him to dictate the game, if the opposition attempt to put a DM on him this frees up Verratti to dictate the play. We carry a dual threat in this position which will be vital in creating plenty of goal scoring chances. Both pass masters in their own right however Verratti carries a bit of bite and has the tenacity to win the ball back in the challenge, whilst Modric will use his world class ability to dictate the game and feed our attacking talent.
Forwards
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front three have it all. Our wide players offer completely different threats which will make them almost impossible to contain. Asensio will be direct, go at the opposition and take them on. He has electric pace and has license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Aguero to be slipped in and finish. Eriksen on the other hand will look to be the supplier, fantastic vision and a deadly final ball, combined with the movement and finishing of Aguero this could prove a match made in heaven. He will also look for the cross field ball to Asensio who has the pace to get in behind at any moment. Eriksen will also look to shoot on sight and has a fantastic strike from distance. Aguero plays through the middle, a real predator and we expect him to thrive being around so many creative talents. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as we expect plenty of chances to fall his way. The ultimate big game player.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Modric off, Khedira on.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Dier on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we look to see the game out.
If drawing:
60 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on. 4-4-2 with Aguero and Sturridge up top.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Moura on. 4-2-2-2 with Moura and Asensio pushing forward from the flanks either side of the front two.
If losing:
55 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on.
65 mins: Cancelo and Verratti off, Moura and Andre Silva on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Sturridge and Silva up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Sokratis----Verthongen----Luis
-------------------Locatelli
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Inigo, Cucurella, Dorsch, Fred, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Locatelli 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Dorsch for Rabiot and Cucurella for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Locatelli - Rabiot to DM, add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Inigo for Locatelli, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
—————————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola—————Sule———————Rudiger————Gaya
—————————————Torreira
————————Keita————————Milinkovic
—————Lozano—————Dybala——————Guedes
Subs: Pope, Castro, Diallo, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Brandt, Sancho
Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Lucas Torreira
Corners: Lucas Torreira
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
This game is all about beating their intensity, as we feel that we have a more athletic side, and must use this to our advantage. When they build attacks from the back, we set up in a 4-5-1 mid-block, with a narrow midfield block, looking to stop the opposition being able to play through us. We allow their CBs possession, and encourage their FBs to push forward and leave space behind them. Defending starts with Dybala who will look block access to the pivot, and press them hard from behind if they do get the ball. Our wingers and CMs work as duo’s, close together so that if Tottenham do try to play through the middle, we can create high pressure on the ball carrier and close off their forward options through the middle, in particular blocking access to the half spaces as well as any Tottenham midfielder that tries to advance forward. Torreira stays in the DM role, where he can use his intelligence to go and make interceptions in dangerous areas, before Tottenham can play a final ball.
This tight block should force the opponent to have to move the ball wide, where we will look to be more aggressive and win the ball back. We will use our body position to force them wide to the side where they have the least width, which will make it more difficult for them to break our compact lines. The wide ball carrier will be pressed in tandem by FB (covershadowing the vertical pass) and winger (covershadowing back pass to FB/CB and DM), as well as Keita/Milinkovic who man mark the advancing ball-side midfielder, whilst Dybala aids the winger in covershadowing the DM/Pivot. The rest of the team narrow to this side of play, box Tottenham in and force the turnover.
Another key element of our play today will be the counter-press higher up the field, a la Klopp. We want to be direct when we win the ball, particularly looking to use Lozano and Guedes in combination with our Fbs and CMs to stretch the game, with Dybala often dropping deep when we win it to facilitate a smoother transition with his quick link up play. At times the direct balls forward won’t work, but we can still use this to our advantage, playing longer balls towards our forwards, getting the opposition turned and running towards their own goal, and our team pushed higher up the field. From here even if we don’t win the first ball, we can have 7 players pushed high up to counter-press with a lot of energy (midfield, attack, ball-side FB), wingers and CMs again working together but higher up this time, pressing CBs and deep CMs, or CMs and FBs, box them in near their own box and the touchlines and force them to try go longer, or play riskier passes into an area where we have 7 players to win it back. We can force turnovers closer to their goal and then attack them when their defensive line is in chaos.
Whilst we do look to go direct, we do feel like we have the players to dominate possession in spells and have fluid build-ups with more stable attacking threat. To do this we look to create a diamond shape with Dybala dropping into a 10 role, with Lozano and Guedes pushing beyond him to occupy their defensive line, giving us an overload in the midfield. The Cbs and Torreira will look to move the ball out to our FBs, or use Ter Stegen to do this if Tottenham press high. Force the opposition to move out of their preferred shape and press the wide areas, with the CBs slitting wide, and the ball-side CM coming across along with Torreira to create a rhombus through which we can zip the ball about, drawing more Tottenham players to press, then move the ball into the free players in midfield, looking to get Dybala/Milinkovic/Keita on the ball in underloaded areas of the midfield and between the opposition lines where they can then drive forward at pace. This should also draw their FBs up the pitch to close the space in the wide areas.
At this stage we have the players to set up possession higher up the field, but also the players between the lines who can hurt Tottenham, plus Lozano and Guedes who’s pace and trickery can stretch the remaining defenders, either coming deep to support the midfield and facilitating third man runs from our CMs, or making in to out runs behind the Tottenham FBs should they have been sucked forward, where they can draw a CB out of the middle and create qualitative superiority against a player now out of their comfort zone. This will be supported by the attacking runs of our FBs, as their are defensive weaknesses in both of Spurs’ FBs, which can be exploited by 2 v 1’s if the Spurs wingers don’t track their men.
Another game without Kane where we expect Dybala to be targeted by physical CBs. This suits us down to the ground, we want him to act a false 9, dropping deeper to overload the opposition DM and combine with Keita and Milinkovic to get them running beyond him. In this situation if a CB does stick tight to him, he has the ability to resit pressure and Spurs will leave a big gap for Guedes/Lozano to exploit. His movement to drop deep, or even wide to link up, will be followed by late runs into the box where he can ghost in to score.
Subs:
If Winning: Rodri for Keita 70’, 4-2-1-3. Diallo for Lozano 75’, 5-2–1-2. Castro for Gaya 80’.
If Drawing: Brandt for Guedes 60’, fresh legs. Bernardo Silva for Milinkovic 70’, extra creativity to find the killer ball. Sancho for Lozano 75’, super-sub.
If Losing: Silva for Odriozola 60’, Torreira can drop into CB, Bernardo RM in a 3-4-3, Lozano and Guedes can stay very close to Dybala. Sancho for Lozano 70’, fresh legs to attack a tiring defence, use Silva’s inside and outside runs. Brandt for Gaya 80’ if still losing, if we have got back into the game though, Guedes will be replaced by Diallo, Rudiger will go to RB in a 4-3-3.
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 9
Captain: Tarkowski
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
--------------------Ward
Bustos--Tarkowski—Veríssimo--Saracchi
-------------------Paredes
--------------Maycon---Paquetá
Pussetto-----------------------------Everton
---------------------Gómez
SUBS: Rossi, Conti, Olivera, Wendel, Vargas, González, Pedro
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Ward 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. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Maycon and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Maycon will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton 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 Paquetá, Maycon and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Maycon may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá 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.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Tarkowski, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Conti for Veríssimo, Pedro for Gómez and Wendel for Maycon, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Maycon and Pedro for Pussetto. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Pussetto and Vargas offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
----------------Paredes
Vargas------- Paquetá ----Everton
---------Gómez --------Pedro
------------------------------------Perin
Klostermann------de Vrij------David Luiz------Tagliafico
----------------------------Rudy--------Dahoud
Thauvin----------------------Ziyech--------------------Forsberg
---------------------------------Mariano
Subs: Müller, Baumgartl, Söyüncü, Kampl, Lallana, Brekalo, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Stefan de Vrij and David Luiz paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Dahoud 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 Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy 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 Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.
A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy 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 Rudy such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz 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 Rudy or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Klostermann and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Thauvin, Forsberg and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.
An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the opposition defence.
Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.
While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.
Subs on 75 mins
Lallana on for Ziyech, and Brekalo on for Forsberg
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
------------------------- Courtois ---------------------------
--------- Boateng ----- Hummels ------ Lenglet ---------
Cancelo ----- S.Khedira ------ M.Verratti ----- M.Alonso
------------------------- C.Eriksen --------------------------
------------- Kun Aguero ------- Timo Werner -----------
Subs:
Hart, Bailly, Hernandez, Dier, Under, Moura, Sturridge
Captain: Hummels
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Eriksen
Team Tactics
We aren’t expecting many surprises today against a Newcastle side that will likely employ a high press and look to use the pace of their wide players to stretch the game. To counter this we employ a 3-4-1-2 formation which allows us to immediately drop into a 5-3-2 when not in possession. The aim is to take away their biggest threat, space. With no space in behind to use their pace and no space in the middle of a congested central midfield we feel that we can eliminate their biggest weapons and hit them on the counter with our own.
We will sit slightly deeper than usual today and get men behind the ball to frustrate them. This will also mean that they naturally start higher up the pitch when they begin their inevitable press. They will however be falling into our trap by doing so, we play two up top which means we have an immediate outlet, with the distribution of Lenglet and Boateng from the back it means we can make a lightening transition from defence to attack, completely bypassing their pressing game in the process.
When in possession our FB’s hog the flanks, we anticipate them playing a narrow midfield three so we aim to make the midfield as wide as possible. This will create an overload with our FB’s likely to have plenty of space to inflict damage going forward, Alonso in particularly is encouraged to go for goal when the opportunity arises.
When not in possession Eriksen drops into CM to accompany Khedira and Verratti, limiting the space for the opposition to play through the middle. Whilst they possess great quality in central midfield it is only likely to be Silva that will push forward and he will immediately be swamped by Khedira and Verratti when in possession.
We respect the workout of Kante but will look to play around him, move the ball out wide forcing him out of position as he looks to cover our advancing FBs as we then exploit the space he had vacated. Eriksen will be our dynamo and we expect him to thrive in the AM role if the opposition employ Jorginho at DM.
Defence
We expect Newcastle to play their customary front 3. To account for this we drop into a back 5 as soon as they are in possession. This will allow us to overwhelm their CF and remain solid defensively on the flanks, giving their wide players no room to operate. We sit deep eliminating any space in behind and taking away the ball over the top. Hummels will pick up the CF whilst Alonso and Cancelo will drop in alongside Boateng and Lenglet to form a compact back 5. We force their wide men down the line and do not let them cut infield, with an extra defender at the back any attempt to come infield will mean they immediately hit traffic with the middle of the park extremely congested. Going forward our FBs have superb delivery and will look to whip early crosses in for our front two to attack.
Midfield
We go with a midfield three aimed at combating the strengths of the opposition and exploiting their weakness. We employ the double pivot of Khedira and Verratti in front of the defence. Both strong in the tackle and capable of breaking up the opposition play whilst also offering quality going forward with their superb distribution. We keep things tight in the middle of the park giving them no room to operate. We feel that Eriksen will be a key player in the AM role, likely to be up against Jorginho in the deep midfield role we feel that Eriksen is the perfect player to exploit his defensive deficiencies.
We will constantly look to get him on the ball, playing between the lines and supplying our two strikers. Afforded time and space he has the ability to pick the opposition apart whilst also encouraged to shoot from distance. With the pace of Werner and intelligent movement of Aguero ahead of him we feel that he could well be our key to success.
Forwards
With the team sitting slightly deeper to negate the pace of the opposition we feel that our front two will thrive playing on the break with plenty of space ahead of them. Both possess great bursts of speed and Aguero in particular is a deadly finisher. The opposition have some top CB’s however we will look to move them around. Aguero will be the link-up between midfield and attack, look to get the ball into his feet for quick one two’s to create space to get the shot off. Werner will drift along the frontline, if the opposition focus on stopping the ball into Aguero’s feet then Werner will look to exploit the space in behind with his pace. With Eriksen supplying the ammunition and our FBs whipping balls in from the flanks both strikers will be on high alert as we operate a shoot on sight policy.
The aim is to play a tight defensive game. Hit them on the break, take the lead and then soak up the pressure. A solid defensive structure will allow us to frustrate the opposition all afternoon and eventually pick them off as they commit more men forward. The perfect game plan to take all 3 points.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Werner off, Dier on.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Bailly on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out with an impenetrable back 6 and defensive midfield cover.
If drawing:
60 mins: Khedira off, Lucas Moura on. Eriksen alongside Verratti in midfield with Moura and Werner either side of Aguero in a front 3.
70 mins: Werner off, Sturridge on. We bring on the super sub Sturridge who only needs half a chance to grab the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on.
65 mins: Cancelo and Khedira off, Moura and Under on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Sturridge and Werner up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
__________Jorginhoh
________Kante___D.Silva
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Rose, Milner, Lukaku, Koke, N’Zonzi, Reus, Bobby
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Milner
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: James Milner
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
70 mins: Milner comes on for Silva, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner 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: Lukaku comes on for Jorginho and play 2 up front.
BRUM vs Leicester
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj------------Skriniar---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
---------------------Soler----------------Cristante---------------------
Neres-----------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, Pellegrini, F Anderson, Keita, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SKRINIAR
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
I want us to start the game with a high tempo, close the oppo down and win the ball back quickly. Play quick passes forward and try and get an early goal. I want Neres and Kluivert to use their pace on the wings to create chances for the rest of the team. 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.
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. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Skriniar will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. 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. Ndidi and Cristante will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi 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 wingers.
Centre Mids
Cristante + Soler
Cristante will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Soler will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Soler will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Cristante and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Soler to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Neres + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Soler and Anderson for Neres to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Skriniar-----------Maguire------------Dalot
-----------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-----------------------------------Cristante------------------------------------
-------------------Dembele---------------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Cristante and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Neres and Keita for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Skriniar--------Maguire-------Dalot
----------------------------Ndidi--------Soler----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Anderson--------------------------------Kluivert----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Keita----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Pellegrini on for Soler
Dembele on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
————————————Pope
Odriozola————Sule——————Rudiger————Gaya
————————————Rodri
——————Keita————————SMS
—B.Silva————————Kane————————Lozano
Subs: Svilar, Castro, Diallo, Torreira, Sancho, Brandt, Guedes
Captain: Harry Kane
Free Kicks: Bernardo Silva
Penalties: Harry Kane
Corners: Bernardo Silva
In build up we look to beat the press through clever movement. We want Rodri to use his movement 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 the 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 Villa 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, forcing them to sit deeper, giving us more time on the ball to build and them less of a threat going forward.
Today we are looking to get Silva/Milinkovic/Keita on the ball in underloaded areas of the midfield and between the opposition lines where they can then drive forward at pace. Whilst we want our FBs to push higher up the field when we have established possession in order to keep the Villa FBs pegged back and kept wide, so that Silva and Lozano can play closer to Kane and the CMs and create fluid movement between the lines.
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 Keita free reign to combine down the left. Likewise down the right, at times Gaya can drop back and allow Milinkovic to overlap and Lozano to come inside and vice versa, where Lozano’s pace against FB and CB cause real issues, as well as his clinical finishing.
The end goal is to have the opposition FBs and CBs caught in two minds as to which run to follow, whilst continually maintaining a 3 man midfield to keep the opposition midfield occupied, and unable to support FB or CB without leaving a big gap. In the end this means that if the FBs tuck in to stop our central players having too much space, we have an easy ball to the overlapping player, who then gets a cross in, and if the FB stays wider to deal with this threat, the likes of Lozano, Silva, Keita and Milinkovic will find space through the middle to isolate the CB who isn’t picking up Kane.
Kane occupies CBs and can drop deep or wide to aid build up, but his main role is to find space to get in on goal.
Layered high press, using the curved runs of the wingers towards the opposition CBs to squeeze them towards the middle, Kane 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 Villa 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 Villa 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 Villa’s wingers to be pegged back by our FBs attacking movements.
Subs:
If Winning: Torreira for Keita 70’, fresh legs, more disciplined in midfield. Castro for Lozano 75’, Gaya will go LW. Diallo for Gaya 85’, 5-4-1.
If Drawing: Sancho for SMS 65’, Sancho goes RW, Silva into midfield to pull the strings. Sancho attacks tiring defenders. Brandt for Lozano 75’. Guedes for Silva 80’, 4-4-2 for the last 10 minutes to try get the win.
If Losing: Guedes for SMS 60’, 4-4-2, Guedes working around Kane to put extra pressure on the CBs. Sancho for Keita 65’, Silva from CM, Sancho out wide. Brandt for Lozano 70’.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal
Injuries: Januzaj, Diawara, Rakitic, Celina
------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Marquinhos - Tah - Shaw
-- Sturaro - Fernandinho - Meyer
--- Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Maffeo, Vida, Matic, Ozil, 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, Sturaro, 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 Sturaro 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 Sturaro and Meyer alongside you if you're closed down.
Sturaro/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 Sturaro 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 Ozil on. Change to 5-3-1-1, Vida an extra CB, midfield trio of Sturaro, Fernandinho and Matic, with Ozil in the AM role providing support to Immobile upfront.
If drawing: Meyer off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Sturaro and Fernandinho in midfield, Ozil to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Tah, Sturar and Meyer off, Vitolo, Ozil and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Marquinhos - Shaw at the back, Fernandinho the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.
MANCHESTER CITY vs Chelsea
Line-Up:
----------------------------------Rico-----------------------------------
Pereira-------------Caldara----------Romagnoli--------------Digne
-------------Rafinha----------Matuidi----------Golovin--------------
---------------------Fekir---------------Richarlison-------------------
------------------------------Mandzukic-------------------------------
Substitutes: Forster; Toure; Milenkovic; Oyarzabal; Lingard; Robben; Belotti
Captain: Matuidi
Penalties: Mandzukic
Free Kicks: Fekir
Corners: Rafinha
Tactics:
We setup with a strong defensive platform, hitting Chelsea with quick attacks in numbers as we go direct and down the wings, with our full backs pushing up to stretch the opposition formation. We go with 3 all-action box-to-box midfielders in front of the defence, looking to give the defence strong cover and give the attacking players more freedom to break forward quickly.
We will start in a 4-3-2-1 formation, dropping back to 4-5-1 in defence, in order to reinforce the midfield out of possession. Matuidi plays as the central midfielder, flanked by Golovin and Rafinha, while Richarlison and Fekir operate behind the centre forward, looking to alternate between using the wide and central channels and Mandzukic hold the CF position. All 3 front men can play across the pitch and will be encouraged to swap positions to keep defenders guessing.
The main objective of the frontline is to force the opposition GK to look for direct balls up to the forwards, where our large back four are set up to control any aerial threat. If the goalkeeper does try to go short to his centre-backs, we will them towards the central channel, while blocking the passing lanes to the either the holding midfielder or CM partnership. Our central forward player is key here, as he will constantly be closing the passing lanes through the middle.
We will prevent the Chelsea midfielders from linking up with their forwards, forcing them to play backwards and then piling the pressure on the player in possession. Matuidi and Golovin stand out in particular here, organising the defensive effort with high-octave pressing, and ensuring Chelsea cannot establish a dominance in the centre of the pitch. To facilitate this pressing game, we will expect our front 3 to close down should Chelsea choose to play out from the back, while our full backs mark their men aggressively. Rafinha will hold the formation from just in front of the centre backs, looking to intercept play through the centre.
Should Chelsea launch an attack, the aim is to remain tight in the defensive third - the two wing forwards will drop into midfield to cover any overlapping runs made by the Chelsea full backs, and we will completely crowd the central channel of the pitch; this will force Chelsea to either make their play down the flanks against 2 athletic defenders, or play backwards where our forward will be waiting to press and intercept.
We will be lethal on the counter-attack. The speed of the first wave of our breaks will ensure they escape concerted pressure from Chelsea. Our attackers surge forwards, positioning themselves in behind the line of pressure ahead of the ball, thus providing the player who won the ball plenty of possession. Matuidi will be the standout player in these situations; with an impressive understanding of when and where to attack the free space both with and without the ball.
We will vary our approach in attack, alternating between direct play and passing through the thirds. Rico will often look to move the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible, while the midfield has plenty of strength, aggression, and attacking intent in the middle of the park, constantly seeking to exploit any gaps in behind their opposing midfielders. Golovin and Rafinha have the ability to make particularly good use of the space on the inside, projecting their side forwards in attack where they will outnumber the Chelsea defensive midfield area. Moreover, giving Rafinha free reign in the midfield will add another dimension to our attack, as his dribbling through the centre of the pitch can draw players out of position and open up space for our attackers to run into. In addition to this, his technical prowess at feeding through-balls in tight spaces will create numerous chances for our forwards to put away.
In the attacking phase, we will opt for combination play, swapping between short passes to lure the Chelsea defenders into the opposition half and more ambitious passes through the thirds. Our high tempo will disrupt our opponents, both in midfield and in the final third. The pace and movement of our forwards will cause chaos for the Chelsea midfielders, who will be put under severe pressure to attempt to protect their midfield against the pace and direct nature of our attack. We will put our opponents under constant pressure, with our dangerous front three of Richarlison, Fekir and Mandzukic forcing their way in behind their full-backs and posing constant problems for the centre-backs. At the same time, our full backs have the athleticism and talent to get up the pitch along the byline and drill in low, hard crosses that will cause panic among the defenders.
As a collective, we are well balanced. In the final third we will locate our biggest threats in prime positions, where they will cause constant uncertainty in the last line of defence. Mandzukic, Fekir and Richarlison will regularly find openings with their pace and direct play, successfully exploiting the space in between the centre-backs and the full-backs alongside them.
In the defensive transition, we will re-organise quickly and effectively after losing the ball, Golovin and Matuidi leading the way in swarming around the man in possession, with both being used to implementing a high pressing system, with Rafinha adept at covering the inside lanes and intercepting play. We will prevent Chelsea from outnumbering us in this phase of the game, reducing the threat of the counter-attack.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Lingard on for Golovin – A hard-working player who will give his all in any position, we are putting Lingard in an advanced central midfield role to use his stamina as a foil for the Chelsea midfield.
70 minutes: Robben on for Richarlison – Fekir and Robben swap places, allowing Robben to operate from his favoured right flank, and giving Fekir a free role to cause havoc at the back.
75 minutes: Belotti on for Mandzukic – Like for like sub to provide fresh legs up top
------------------------Lloris
-------Manolas---Kompany---Sane
Danilo------Goretzka----Ramsey---Rodriguez
--------Malcom-------------------Costa
------------------------Cavani
Pickford, Maitland-Niles, Llorente, Cook, Tadic, Aspas, Foden
Another change of formation today should bamboozle the opposition a bit. We picked up our first point last time, and I expect to go a step further today. I have picked a side that I think allows us license to attack and commit men to attack whilst also providing us with an adequate defensive base. For this system to work we have to focus on the energy and pace that we possess both through the middle and out wide, and need to know our positional game and how to work with the ball and without it.
We do intend to play with the ball out the back, relying on Manolas and Sane spreading the play to our attacking wing backs. Kompany will look to provide an option between them, and will focus his distribution forward to our central midfield players. Balls out should be kept as simple as possible, with options provided short and simple, as players drop deep to pick up the ball. When off the ball they will work as a unit, allowing them to press members of the attack, whilst not creating positional space to be exploited behind them. Kompany will cover the others as they press forward, making sure that space behind is not present. All three will get forward for free kicks providing an aerial threat.
Goretzka and Ramsey will also contribute to the defensive system, with them alternating between pushing forward and sitting deep. When the opposition has the ball they will sit in front of the three men, covering the space and pushing out wide, to cover the spaces vacated by the wing backs. Both players have the manoeuvring ability to operate in this sort of deep lying system. When we pick the ball up, they will look to spread the play out wide, either to the wing backs or the inside forward wingers. One of them will also be allowed to operate as a box to box midfielder so that we can get as many men into the box as possible. When this happens, the other will sit back to shield the defence.
Danilo and Rodriguez are both attacking full backs, and so today I have decided to give them license to bomb forward and contribute to the attack. Both will push forward and overlap their respective narrow wingers. They won’t cut inside due to the fact that they should both be on their stronger foot and are both capable of whipping in great balls for our aerially strong striker. When off the ball they will get back into position, so as to cover the space out wide and prevent the opposition wingers from attacking effectively. They will keep their opposite number pinned out wide, before winning the ball back and attacking with pace on the counter. When our defenders have the ball they will pull out wide and provide a short passing option for the defenders.
Our narrow wingers are both direct players that are very capable of utilising their pace to run at the opposition and get in behind their defence. They sit slightly more narrow than conventional wingers so that they can target the central areas of the opposition defence, whilst the wing backs occupy the opposition wide players. Malcom and Costa are both quick players and so can stretch the opposition’s central areas, which will create a bit more space for Cavani that he can utilise to best effect. When we don’t have the ball they will stay forward, so as to either keep the opposition full backs in their defensive third, or to utilise the space that they leave behind when they push forward, running into space to make themselves available for the ball in behind.
Edinson Cavani has already proved himself to be potent in front of goal so far this season, and with Costa and Malcom he has two supporting players that are very capable of not only running at defenders, but also getting in behind, pulling their defenders apart, and creating space for Cavani to drop off slightly so that he can pick up the ball. He is physical enough to deal with the attention that he will no doubt be getting, and also to provide a consistent threat from set pieces and the crosses from our wide wing backs. With Costa, Malcom and a CM also getting into the box, there will be plenty of players to pick up the second ball should it drop to them.
Substitutions
If drawing/losing
Salif Sane off for Iago Aspas 65 mins
Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Aspas playing in behind Cavani as a second striker. Goretzka and Ramsey will sit deep in midfield, covering the loss of a defender. Aspas can get in behind defenders along with Costa and Malcom.
Aaron Ramsey off for Phil Foden 75 mins
A more attacking midfielder to come on for Ramsey. Foden will look to engineer it that we are playing further up the pitch. Goretzka will sit further back, whilst foden looks to drift into space higher up and dictate the tempo and pace of the game.
Danilo off for Ainsley Maitland-Niles 80 mins
Maybe not a tremendously attacking substitution, but Maitland Niles is a strong player capable of bursting forward and contributing up the pitch. Fresh legs to the attack down the right, and we will look to utilise this side most for the last ten minutes.
If winning
Malcom off for Lewis Cook 70 mins
Switch to a 3-5-1-1, with Lewis Cook playing at the heart of the Arsenal midfield. He will serve as the linchpin, looking to dictate the play by hitting balls over the top to our attackers, specifically through to Douglas Costa, who will look to run past Cavani.
Edinson Cavani off for Iago Aspas 80 mins
Aspas comes on to act as a pacy counter attacking outlet for when we try and pick up the ball late in the game, as the opposition have to commit more men to the attack. We will be looking to hit balls in behind for him to chase.
Douglas Costa off for Dusan Tadic 85 mins
Tadic is a tidy player capable of keeping possession, and when we hold possession we are unlikely to concede. At this point we are making changes to close out the game.
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Sokratis----Verthongen----Cucrella
-------------------Dorsch
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Retsos, Luis, Locatelli, Fred, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Dorsch 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Fred for Rabiot and Luis for Cucurella - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Dorsch - Rabiot to DM, add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Retsos for Dorsch, Cucurella and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
In the event of a red card, got to a 4-4-1 formation, sub off Dorsch and get on a replacement for the position which was sent off.
Attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Birmingham, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago and Modric on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Laporte the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Partey reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Thiago and Modric will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago also improtant.
Getting Modric and Thiago on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Marcelo and Alexander-Arnold always looking to provide an option.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Brum have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Brum. One fb bombing forward at a time (usually Marcelo). The other fb advances ahead of the cbs but is more reserved and offers the option to switch going back the way.
Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
--------------------- Neuer
T.A-Arnold - S.Ramos - Laporte - Marcelo
--------------------- Partey
------------ Thiago.A ---- Modric
L.Sane ------------------------------ Hazard
-------------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Kehrer. Doucoure, Gundogan, Coutinho, Correa, D.Costa
Defending in numbers
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
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.
As Brum advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Partey presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Partey will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Modric picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Partey. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Ronaldo. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Modric and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh energy. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Correa for Hazard. Super sub. Fresh pace and energy, pushing tempo up.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Doucoure for Modric. Injects power and energy.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Coutinho for Modric. More attackin.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Sane. Ronaldo moves left, Hazard right.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Kehrer and Correa for Marcelo and TAA. 3-5-2. Hazard up top with Ronaldo. Sane left, Correa right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Partey.
------------------------- Ederson
--------- Van Dijk ----- Javi.M ------- Umtiti
K.Walker --------- Koke ----- Tolisso -------- B.Mendy
-------------- O.Dembele ---- Griezmann
----------------------- Aubameyang
Subs: Butland, Pavard, Ghoulam, Bentancur, Mahrez, T.Lemar, G.Jesus
3-5-2 today, defensively solid but looking to give our attackers the freedom to play.
Everton usually play with Lacazette as a target man up top so we'll look to isolate him with our 3 experienced CB's, cut off the supply and prevent him from linking with those in support.
Go with speed in attacking areas as their CB's lack pace, looking to use Koke and Tolisso as pivots spreading the play using our wing back's to surge forward and providing options off the ball in attack, getting bodies in the box.
Initially press intensively from the front with Auba, Griezz and O.Dembele, don't let them play out from the back and force mistakes. We want to control possession and isolate their CF so they have no outlet up top or a breather from defending.
3-4-1-2 - On the ball:
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, at times using our trio in attack as target men to bypass their mf press.
Van Dijk & Umtiti should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Koke and Tolisso, 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. Koke should look to stamp his authority with his work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, whilst Tolisso operates as the box to box mf, looking to pass and move and look to get our attackers in behind with his direct passing and off the ball runs. .
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.
Griezzy and O.Dembele will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using their awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, 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 strikers to attack.
When Everton are in possession we will initally look to press from the front with our attacking trio and if they bypass this sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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 and frustrating the oppoistion.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Bentancur > Tolisso
- G.Jesus > Aubameyang
Compact 3-5-2, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, G.Jesus used as a nimble outlet to surge forward when possible
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3)
- Lemar > Aubameyang
- Mahrez > O.Dembele
- Bentancur > Koke (80th min)
3-4-3, stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage with our midfield duo sitting in where we think Everton are most susceptible to being exposed.
IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- G.Jesus > Javi.M
- Bentancur > Koke
- Mahrez > O.Dembele
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 - Van Dijk
FK's - Griezmann
Corners - O.Dembele
Pens – Griezmann
Red card, revert 4-4-1 formation and most sutiable player comes on, Pavard RB/CB, Ghoulam LB, Bentancur MF, Lemar/Jesus/ Mahrez in attack with Auba going off and Griezmann leading the line
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 10
TEAM – 4-2-3-1
Captain – Walace
Vice Captain - Militão
-------------------Grohe
Bustos---Militão---Rabello--- Olivera
-----------Walace--Paredes
Pussetto------Paquetá---------Everton
------------------Gómez
SUBS – Armani, Murilo, Álvarez, Wendel, Rodríguez, Cunha, Pedro Guilherme
Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We also pose a very dangerous threat on the counter. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Paredes and Walace holding in the middle with Paquetá just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
When/if under sustained pressure Paredes will sit deeper alongside Walace and Paquetá will be expected to be his energetic self and press the opposition midfield and knock them out of their rhythm. Our wingers and full backs will sit a wee bit deeper too but always alert and ready to use their speed at any chance of a counter
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Gómez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Paquetá, Pussetto and Everton, the opposition can always expect the unexpected when we are on the attack. We will not be afraid to hit them on the counter as with our full backs and wingers we have enough speed and skill to beat most teams. We will also be very respectful of what the opposition can do and will look to press them with urgency when we are looking the ball. We will take the risks we need to open them up ONLY when the correct chance arises. In saying that we will have a measured approach and if they try to play with a high tempo we will match that. We are not here to let them dictate the game. We will play it how we want to play and we will have a right go at them.
We will use Walace and Paredes to dictate the tempo of the play to suit our moment. I think with our mobility and physicality we can really stamp our authority on this area right from the off. The wingers will be asked to vary the attack between taking the full backs on the outside, or cutting inside. Whatever seems right at the moment – in order to carve up their defence. The pace of the wingers will cause a lot of headaches and the ability of both wingers and the AM to interchange positions will be something we will use to add to the confusion in the opposition ranks. We will look for our midfield to make it very difficult for them to link up play between their midfield and the front men – hopefully meaning their attack will not see a whole lot of the ball.
Without the ball we will look to Paquetá/Paredes to press and give the opposition no space at all to work. When in possession we will take our time and keep our passing neat and simple. We will be looking for Paquetá (supported by Paredes) to orchestrate our attacks. He will be the main man in creating the openings. We will look to our speed outside and on the overlap as well as the cleverness of Paquetá in playing the ball through and behind the defenders giving our attacking widemen and CF plenty of ammunition to get on the end of.
Free Kicks/Corners - Paquetá, Everton and Pussetto with Rabello, Militão and Paredes expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Gómez or Everton
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Murilo for Rabello and Rodríguez for Pussetto – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Pedro Guilherme for Walace, and Rodríguez for Pussetto (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
--------------------Paredes
Rodríguez------Paquetá------Everton
-------------Gómez--Pedro Guilherme
Attacking 4-3-3
At home, we play a high energy attacking game and take the game to City, controlling possession and the game. Dominate possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago and Ceballos on the ball and opening up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. We think we can find space between their midfield and defence.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, finding space behind their midfield. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play to switch it up or find a player in space.
As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Kehrer the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Casemiro reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Thiago and Ceballos both offer a high work rate and are brilliant at pressing and winning the ball back quickly.
Getting Thiago and Ceballos on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and attacking fbs.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. City have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up City. At home, both full backs attack. Casemiro offering protection in front of the defence, and an option to go backwards to start the attack again.
Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game and linking up with Carvajal to take on their lb.
-------------------- Neuer
Carvajal - S.Ramos - Kehrer - Marcelo
----------------- Casemiro
---------- Thiago.A -- Ceballos
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Gomez, Gundogan, Modric, Geubbels, Correa, D.Costa
High press
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the two closest players either side press the passing channels either side. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
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.
As City advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-3-1-1. One winger on the side of play will track any forward runs made by their fb on this side, the other winger sits on their deepest cm/dm. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Casemiro will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Ceballos presses the space next to and in front of Casemiro.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in. They like to come inside, where Ceballos and Casemiro will be there to close down and help the fb.
Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, get in between the lines and get balls into Ronaldo. The front trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Ceballos, attacking fbs and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh energy. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Modric for Ceballos. Brings composure and inteligence to mdifield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Geubbels for Sane. Fresh pace and energy, pushing tempo up.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Modric for Ceballos. More composure in midfield.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Sane. Ronaldo moves left, Hazard right.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Gundogan for Casemiro, Thiago to Busquets role.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Gomez and Correa for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-5-2. Hazard up top with Ronaldo. Sane left, Correa right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Modric for Casemiro.
----------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Fabinho ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Henrichs
---------------------- Tousart ------------------------
---------------- Pjanic ----- Pogba ------------------
Mbappe ------------------------------------- Neymar
----------------------- Piatek -------------------------
Meret, Akanji, Kessie, Zielinski, Bernardeschi, Rodrigo, Maddison
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 Pjanic, 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, Piatek slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic 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, Fabinho and Henrichs 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 Pjanic, 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, Pjanic 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. Pjanic 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 Pjanic) 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 Pjanic 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 Piatek 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, bang on form as Europes top marksman atm, 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 Piatek 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 - Piatek/Neymar
Corners - Pjanic
Free Kicks - Pjanic
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Rodrigo for Pogba go 4-4-2 with Rodrigo going to the right and Mbappe just off Piatek
75 Mins - Bernardeschi for Henrichs, 343 with Neymar going to the left of Piatek and Mbappe to the left of him, Fabinho RCB
Winning -
75 Mins - Kessie for Pogba, sit in a midfield 3 adding a bit of bite
85 Mins - Bernardeschi for Piatek, he goes to LW to help out Henrichs as they push and Neymar up top 451
Drawing -
70 Mins - Rodrigo for Pogba, he goes to RW and Mbappe just behind Piatek 4231
80 Mins - Zielinski for Pjanic fresh legs
83 Mins - Maddison for Piatek, Mbappe goes up top to hurt them as they ture and Maddison looks to open them up as a No.10
------------------------- Courtois -------------------------
Cancelo ---- J.Boateng ------ M.Hummels ---- Alonso
-------------- M.Verratti ------ Arthur.M ---------------
M.Asensio ----------- C.Eriksen -------------- A.Martial
----------------------- Kun Aguero -----------------------
Subs:
McCarthy, Aurier, Hernandez, Lenglet, Dier, L.Bailey, T.Werner
Captain: Hummels
Free Kicks: Eriksen/Asensio
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Eriksen
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for 3 points. Our three AM’s in support of Aguero will be key components of this style as we feel we pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. Verratti and Arthur offer great quality on the ball from a slightly deeper position as they both possess a fantastic range of passing, able to break the lines and play that killer pass in to our attacking quartet. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition when in possession, continually moving them around, making them chase the ball by switching flanks. In doing so we will not only be wearing them down but also continually pulling them out of shape, breaking down their defensive structure as we look to make numerous openings as we go for goals in today’s match up.
Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly 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 and we feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they 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. Turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
We aim to play on the front foot, hit them early to take the lead and then exploit the space in behind as they push forward for an equaliser. We start fast, high intensity and pressing from the front, putting them under immediate pressure we can force mistakes early on.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with experience and quality we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong and aerially imposing CB’s to deal with the threat posed by their 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, Alonso in particular offers a real threat down the left with his strong attacking prowess and penchant for contributing goals/assists going forward. Martial will often drift infield taking the opposition FB with him which will create space for Alonso to exploit, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Aguero whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Cancelo offers a similar threat from the right however only one will push forward at a time to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack. Keep the wingers down the line and do not let them come infield.
If the opposition play one up top then Hummels will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Boateng will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will also be the one to bring the ball out from defence. Nothing fancy just look to get the ball into the feet of our CM’s or the runs of our wide men who will look to do all the damage.
Midfield:
Arthur comes in for his league debut, a fantastic little player who alongside Verratti will be key to our style of play with their quick passing. Keep the ball moving, continually recycling possession and making the opposition chase shadows. Don’t force the issue as we aim to run them down, tired legs leads to tired minds and we feel that this will lead to plenty of openings as we continually move them out of shape. Forming a double pivot in front of our defence they not only offer protection but form the first line of our attack. Look for the early runs of the wide players as they possess electric pace and will be looking to get in behind the oppositions defence at all times. Eriksen plays ahead of them in the AM role, a gifted technician in his own right he will be looking to craft opportunities all afternoon. With the runs of Asensio, Martial and Aguero to pick out we feel that he will thrive. An assist master we also encourage him to go for goal should the opportunity arise, we anticipate the opposition sitting deep and an Eriksen thunderbolt from distance is always on the cards when given space.
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. Asensio and Martial 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 Aguero 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 Aguero in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Aguero 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 we look to lay down a marker.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Arthur off, Dier on.
75 mins: Martial and Alonso off, Lenglet and T.Hernandez on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out with an impenetrable back 5 and defensive midfield cover.
If drawing:
60 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on. Eriksen alongside Verratti in midfield with Bailey, Asensio and Martial all in support of Aguero.
75 mins: Martial off, Werner on. We switch to two up top in a 4-2-2-2 formation. Asensio and Bailey on the flanks with a deadly front two of Aguero and Werner as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on.
65 mins: Cancelo off, Werner on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Werner and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Arthur will be replaced with one of the below whilst Eriksen (or his replacement) drops into a midfield two. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
------------------------ T.Courtois ------------------------
Cancelo ----- J.Boateng ---- M.Hummels --- M.Alonso
M.Asensio --- M.Verratti ---- C.Eriksen ----- A.Martial
------------------------ Kun Aguero ------------------------
GK – McCarthy
RB – Aurier
LB – T.Hernandez
CB – Lenglet
CM – Dier
WG – Bailey
ST – Werner
--------------------- De Gea ----------------------
Bellerin --- Bonucci --- Chiellini --- Phil.Max
--------------------- Danilo -----------------------
-------------- A.Vidal --- R.Neves --------------
F.Chiesa ------------------------------- Rashford
---------------------- Icardi -----------------------
Scuffet, Sidibe, Tierney, Iniesta, B.Traore, Shaarawy, Morata
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team from the front and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Vidal, Neves and Danilo as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Bellerin and P.Max have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Icardi. They look to play one twos with the attacking midfield 3 which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Bonucci the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Chiellini alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot very powerful defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both up for corners, fullbacks and Danilo stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Danilo's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Vidal is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Neves main responsibility is to create chances for the three attackers in front of him. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Neves is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Neves to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Neves to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Icardi so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Icardi will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Neves and the wingers. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower of the cbs, 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 with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Rashford, Chiesa and Neves will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Neves as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Chiellini
Pens - Icardi
FK's - Neves
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - Bertrand Traore for Vidal, he goes up top 4-4-2
80 Mins - Morata for Bellerin, Danilo drops into a more CB/DM role and Iniesta for Max 343 and he will try and open things up for our front 3/5
Winning -
75 Mins - Sidibe for Chiesa, Sidibe to RB and Bellerin to LM, shuts that side down
82 Mins - Tierney for Rashford hje goes LB and Max LM we go 4141 defensive for final few mins to shut this game out
85 Mins - Iniesta for Neves - control the last few mins when in possession
Drawing -
70 Mins - Traore for Chjiesa, Coman for Rashford, new fresh, pace down the flanks
80 Mins - Iniesta for Vidal, again looking to open it up for Icardi and co
BRUM VS spurs
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj--------------Diop---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
-----------------Hamsik----------------Kondogbia---------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, Zaha, F Anderson, Soler, Batshuayi
CAPTAIN - HAMSIK
CK'S - HAMSIK
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
I want us to start the game with a high tempo, close the oppo down and win the ball back quickly. Play quick passes forward and try and get an early goal. I want Neres and Kluivert to use their pace on the wings to create chances for the rest of the team. 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.
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. Diop and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. 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. Ndidi and Kondogbia will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi 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 wingers.
Centre Mids
Kondogbia + Hamsik
Kondogbia will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Hamsik will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Hamsik will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Kondogbia and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Hamsik to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Neres + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Neres likewise onto his left. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Batshuayi for Ndidi, Anderson for Neres and Zaha for Hamsik to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Diop-------------Maguire------------Dalot
-----------------------------Kondogbia ------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-----------------------------------Zaha------------------------------------
---------------------Batshuayi--------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Hamsik and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Neres and Zaha for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
------------------------Ndidi--------Kondogbia ----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Anderson--------------------------------Kluivert----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Zaha----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Soler on for Hamsik
Batshuayi on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
*RED CARD SCENARIO*
-If GK gets sent off, take off Kondogbia and put on Lunin. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
-If any of the defenders get sent off, take of Kondogbia and put on Mukiele, who can play anywhere across the back four, in the sent off players position. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
-If any of my 3 CM's get sent off, change formation to 441 with the 2 remaining CM's in centre mid.
-If my striker gets sent off, take off Kondogbia and put on Batshuayi in strike. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
-------------------------Perin
Conti-----Baumgartl------David Luiz----Tagliafico
----------------Rudy-----------Kampl
Thauvin--------------Ziyech----------------Forsberg
-----------------------Mariano
Subs: Müller, Söyüncü, Guerreiro, Eiting, Lallana, Brekalo, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Timo Baumgartl and David Luiz paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Kampl 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 Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy 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 Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.
A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy 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 Rudy such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz 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 Rudy or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Thauvin, Forsberg and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.
An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the opposition defence.
Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.
While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.
Subs on 75 mins
Guerreiro on for Tagliafico, and Brekalo on for Forsberg
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
__________Jorginho
________Kante___D.Silva
Salah______Suarez________Reus
SUBS: Koulibaly, Radja, Lukaku, Koke, N’Zonzi, James, Bobby
Captain: Diego Godin
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: David Silva
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: David Silva
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
70 mins: Radja comes on for Silva, 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: Lukaku comes on for Jorginho and play 2 up front.
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Inigo----Verthongen----Luis
------------------Brozovic
------------Fred-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Retsos, Cucurella, Locatelli, Lamela, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Fred 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. Brozovic 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Locatelli for Fred and Lamela for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Fred - add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Retsos for Fred, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
Leicester City v MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries:
Sergio Rico 01/09/93 24 Spain GK FG
Lucas Digne 20/07/93 25 France RB FG
Jack Harrison 20/11/96 21 England CAM Home Grown
Charly Musonda 15/10/96 21 Belgium LW Home Grown
Line up:
Forster
Pereira Caldara Romagnoli Caricol
Witsel Matuidi
Willian Fekir Golovin
Mandzukic
Corners: Golovin
Free Kicks: Fekir
Penalties: Mandzukic
Captain: Witsel
Substitutes: Woodman; Toure; Milenkovic; Dahoud; Rafinha; Robben; Richarlison
Tactics:
One tough test begets another as we move direct from playing Chelsea to facing possibly our toughest test yet in Leicester, away from our fortress. With that in mind, we are altering our style a bit by lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with 2 defensive midfielders, who will keep us structurally sound and will be the main pivot point that we organise our tactics around.
Away from home, the aim is to focus on setting up a solid defensive structure and breaking with pace as Leicester push high up the pitch in search of space, thereby leaving themselves flat-footed and with plenty of space in behind in which to operate. We are not going to attempt to outpass, nor even attempt to outpress our opponents, focusing instead on defensive solidity and attacking ruthlessness.
Defence:
When off the ball, we will make use of the tried and tested tactics of the 6-second press. In that first 6 seconds of not having the ball, we will commit two or three players to the man with the ball, with one person focusing on engaging the player directly while the others look to cut out passing lanes. The idea behind this is to cause the player on the ball to panic and play an errant pass that our side can pick up or play the ball all the way back to the keeper, thus giving us a chance to reset our defensive structure and forcing Leicester to start their attack from scratch.
However, should Leicester manage to keep hold of the ball and advance towards our goal, we will revert back to our solid structure, so that they cannot pick their way through the middle with intricate passing. We will aim to set up in a deep, narrow 4-2-3-1 in the defensive stage, with our back 4 deep enough so as to make balls over the top or in behind ineffective. Our full backs will tuck in on the corners of the 18-yard box so that their forwards can’t drift into space on the shoulders of our defenders. Our wingers, Willian and Golovin, will then drop deeper and look to cover the space between the box and the touchline so that Leicester’s wingbacks don’t get free reign to bomb down the flanks and put in crosses. Our wingers will make sure not to drop too deep as to essentially become full backs, however, so that Leicester know they still have to be wary of the counter attacking threat we pose. Golovin and Willian will both be excellent at this stage of the game due to their hard work-ethics and the discipline drilled into them on the defensive front by previous managers.
In the centre, Matuidi and Witsel will hold down the fort, making sure that Leicester can’t pass their way through our defence by using a pivot system, whereby one DM holds while the other puts pressure on the ball carrier. With Fekir nipping at their heels from behind, this will limit the effectiveness with which Leicester’s midfield can operate and will also make long shots ineffectual despite our deep defence.
With Fekir looking to pounce in the midfield whenever Leicester show a hint of a loose ball within the centre of the pitch, and with our wingers keeping a close eye on the flanks, it will be down to Mandzukic to make sure that Leicester’s defence cannot push up too far, thus pinning us firmly within our own half. He will do this by placing himself in the space between the two centre backs, making sure that they cannot pass between each other while also meaning that they can’t push out wide and stretch the play as, if they do, they provide far too much space in which to counter. When Leicester’s centre backs do have the ball in an advanced position, Mandzukic will look to accost the player on the ball while Fekir and our wingers attempt to close off any possible passing lanes, thus forcing Leicester to alter the way in which they want to attack.
The key to this defensive structure is preservation. We don’t want to play into Leicester’s hands by playing a high momentum game with lots of space around the pitch from pressing all over, just as we don’t want to expend too much of our energy chasing shadows when the effectiveness of our pacey counter will be enough to persuade Leicester into attacking with caution.
Attack:
The aim of our attack is to be as direct and as ruthless as possible. We will look to play the ball up to Mandzukic instantly, who can use his presence to keep hold of the ball even while under pressure from physically imposing centre backs. He can then play in our supporting trio of Fekir, Willian and Golovin, who are all fantastic dribblers of the ball, fast sprinters and who are all adept at playing in a direct manner of attack. We want to constantly be running at the Leicester defence, not playing an intricate passing game that can allow them to get some semblance of structure back into their ranks. By playing direct passes and sprinting forward, we can make sure that Leicester cannot defend with any shape and will be operating entirely on the back foot, usually in a situation where they are outnumbered by our attackers as their entire team has to move back from an attacking position. By playing with Golovin and Willian running from out wide and cutting into the space between the centre backs and full backs, Mandzukic looking to play off the shoulders of the centre backs and Fekir looking to find some space to operate, we can keep Leicester’s defence under panic with each attack, forcing them into mistakes.
Behind them, Witsel and Matuidi will track the defensive movements of Leicester’s midfielders, making sure that they can’t sit too high in case of a counter attack of their own, and also providing numerical support should we need it. Our full backs will look to push up the touchlines, with both adept at crossing, they will present themselves to swing in crosses from deep onto the head of Mandzukic, should the initial quick attack break down yet we maintain possession. Additionally, our centre backs will move up the pitch, as well, staying vocal with our full backs and defensive midfielders to warn them not to advance too far and leave too much space in behind.
Our plan B in terms of attacks is to look at dominating in set plays: with some sizeable players on our side of the pitch, and some instinctive operating from the edge of the box, we will be looking to drill balls into the box with pace, in the hopes of causing some chaos in the Leicester box. The longer that they are in panic mode, the better our chances are in this match.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Richarlison for Golovin – Eager to impress against his parent club, he will be trying extra hard in all stages of the game.
70 minutes: Dahoud for Witsel – After 70 minutes of hard work, it will be time for another engine to take over in the centre.
75 minutes: Robben for Willian – In terms of super sub options, this is one of the most dangerous one could possibly field.
Sign in if you want to comment
Tactics
Page 6 of 20
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
posted on 29/9/18
-------------------------- Courtois
------- D.Sanchez ----- E.Bailly ------ C.Lenglet
Cancelo ----- M.Verratti ------ L.Modric ------ M.Alonso
----------- M.Asensio --------------- C.Eriksen
-------------------------- S.Aguero
Subs:
Hart, Aurier, Dier, Khedira, L.Moura, A.Silva, D.Sturridge
Team Tactics
We go with a side packed with creative talent as we go all guns blazing in front of a raucous home crowd. We aim to dominate possession and hit the opposition at speed, looking for the runs of our wide players and front three at all times. With three solid central defenders we feel that this gives the Verratti and Modric the freedom to dominate possession in the knowledge that they have three solid CB’s offering defensive cover. We expect the opposition to play a three man midfield which makes Eriksen a key component of today’s set up. Whilst he is deployed in an advanced position to really showcase his attacking prowess, when the opposition are in possession we switch from 3-4-3 to 5-3-2 to ensure that we are not outnumbered in the middle of the park.
Eriksen drops in from the flank to accompany Verratti and Modric, limiting the space for the opposition to play through the middle, whilst Asensio moves up top alongside Aguero offering an immediate outlet when we recover possession and look to hit them on the break. In possession Eriksen will look to float between the lines. We feel a midfield trio of Eriksen, Verratti and Modric will boss the game possession wise and continually make the opposition chase the ball, tiring them out and creating gaps in their defence.
Whilst we line up solid defensively with 3 CB’s we very much field plenty of attacking prowess with our WB’s, CM’s and attacking trio all carrying a real goal threat.
In addition to dominating the middle of the park we will also at times look to mix things up. Stretch the play out wide, hit them on the flanks and get the ball into the box for the deadly Aguero for finish. In this set up we have the ability to hit them
from all angles.
Defence
We expect the opposition to play with one central striker and two wide forwards. To account for this we drop into a back 5 as soon as they are in possession. This will allow us to overwhelm their CF and remain solid defensively on the flanks, giving their wide players no room to operate. We therefore deploy a strong and more importantly, quick central back three. When the opposition are in possession we sit deep. Eliminate the space in behind and take out the ball over the top. Alonso and Cancelo both have license to push forward, albeit one at a time. They both have superb delivery from out wide and add yet another string to our attacking bow.
Midfield
CM will be a key battle, for that reason we go possession based but also with players that possess great vision and are able to pick a pass in the blink of an eye. We will really look to punish the opposition on the counter so it is vital that we have the players with the vision to hurt them. Receive the ball, head up and look for the decisive pass. Modric is a majestic player and we expect him to dictate the game, if the opposition attempt to put a DM on him this frees up Verratti to dictate the play. We carry a dual threat in this position which will be vital in creating plenty of goal scoring chances. Both pass masters in their own right however Verratti carries a bit of bite and has the tenacity to win the ball back in the challenge, whilst Modric will use his world class ability to dictate the game and feed our attacking talent.
Forwards
Frightening pace, electrifying dribbling and deadly finishing, we feel our front three have it all. Our wide players offer completely different threats which will make them almost impossible to contain. Asensio will be direct, go at the opposition and take them on. He has electric pace and has license to cut in from the flanks and go for goal. Draw in the oppositions CB’s which in turn creates space for Aguero to be slipped in and finish. Eriksen on the other hand will look to be the supplier, fantastic vision and a deadly final ball, combined with the movement and finishing of Aguero this could prove a match made in heaven. He will also look for the cross field ball to Asensio who has the pace to get in behind at any moment. Eriksen will also look to shoot on sight and has a fantastic strike from distance. Aguero plays through the middle, a real predator and we expect him to thrive being around so many creative talents. Immediately look to get into the box when we’re on the attack as we expect plenty of chances to fall his way. The ultimate big game player.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Modric off, Khedira on.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Dier on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we look to see the game out.
If drawing:
60 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on. 4-4-2 with Aguero and Sturridge up top.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Moura on. 4-2-2-2 with Moura and Asensio pushing forward from the flanks either side of the front two.
If losing:
55 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on.
65 mins: Cancelo and Verratti off, Moura and Andre Silva on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Sturridge and Silva up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 30/9/18
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Sokratis----Verthongen----Luis
-------------------Locatelli
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Inigo, Cucurella, Dorsch, Fred, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Locatelli 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Dorsch for Rabiot and Cucurella for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Locatelli - Rabiot to DM, add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Inigo for Locatelli, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 30/9/18
—————————————Ter Stegen
Odriozola—————Sule———————Rudiger————Gaya
—————————————Torreira
————————Keita————————Milinkovic
—————Lozano—————Dybala——————Guedes
Subs: Pope, Castro, Diallo, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Brandt, Sancho
Captain: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala/Lucas Torreira
Corners: Lucas Torreira
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
This game is all about beating their intensity, as we feel that we have a more athletic side, and must use this to our advantage. When they build attacks from the back, we set up in a 4-5-1 mid-block, with a narrow midfield block, looking to stop the opposition being able to play through us. We allow their CBs possession, and encourage their FBs to push forward and leave space behind them. Defending starts with Dybala who will look block access to the pivot, and press them hard from behind if they do get the ball. Our wingers and CMs work as duo’s, close together so that if Tottenham do try to play through the middle, we can create high pressure on the ball carrier and close off their forward options through the middle, in particular blocking access to the half spaces as well as any Tottenham midfielder that tries to advance forward. Torreira stays in the DM role, where he can use his intelligence to go and make interceptions in dangerous areas, before Tottenham can play a final ball.
This tight block should force the opponent to have to move the ball wide, where we will look to be more aggressive and win the ball back. We will use our body position to force them wide to the side where they have the least width, which will make it more difficult for them to break our compact lines. The wide ball carrier will be pressed in tandem by FB (covershadowing the vertical pass) and winger (covershadowing back pass to FB/CB and DM), as well as Keita/Milinkovic who man mark the advancing ball-side midfielder, whilst Dybala aids the winger in covershadowing the DM/Pivot. The rest of the team narrow to this side of play, box Tottenham in and force the turnover.
Another key element of our play today will be the counter-press higher up the field, a la Klopp. We want to be direct when we win the ball, particularly looking to use Lozano and Guedes in combination with our Fbs and CMs to stretch the game, with Dybala often dropping deep when we win it to facilitate a smoother transition with his quick link up play. At times the direct balls forward won’t work, but we can still use this to our advantage, playing longer balls towards our forwards, getting the opposition turned and running towards their own goal, and our team pushed higher up the field. From here even if we don’t win the first ball, we can have 7 players pushed high up to counter-press with a lot of energy (midfield, attack, ball-side FB), wingers and CMs again working together but higher up this time, pressing CBs and deep CMs, or CMs and FBs, box them in near their own box and the touchlines and force them to try go longer, or play riskier passes into an area where we have 7 players to win it back. We can force turnovers closer to their goal and then attack them when their defensive line is in chaos.
Whilst we do look to go direct, we do feel like we have the players to dominate possession in spells and have fluid build-ups with more stable attacking threat. To do this we look to create a diamond shape with Dybala dropping into a 10 role, with Lozano and Guedes pushing beyond him to occupy their defensive line, giving us an overload in the midfield. The Cbs and Torreira will look to move the ball out to our FBs, or use Ter Stegen to do this if Tottenham press high. Force the opposition to move out of their preferred shape and press the wide areas, with the CBs slitting wide, and the ball-side CM coming across along with Torreira to create a rhombus through which we can zip the ball about, drawing more Tottenham players to press, then move the ball into the free players in midfield, looking to get Dybala/Milinkovic/Keita on the ball in underloaded areas of the midfield and between the opposition lines where they can then drive forward at pace. This should also draw their FBs up the pitch to close the space in the wide areas.
At this stage we have the players to set up possession higher up the field, but also the players between the lines who can hurt Tottenham, plus Lozano and Guedes who’s pace and trickery can stretch the remaining defenders, either coming deep to support the midfield and facilitating third man runs from our CMs, or making in to out runs behind the Tottenham FBs should they have been sucked forward, where they can draw a CB out of the middle and create qualitative superiority against a player now out of their comfort zone. This will be supported by the attacking runs of our FBs, as their are defensive weaknesses in both of Spurs’ FBs, which can be exploited by 2 v 1’s if the Spurs wingers don’t track their men.
Another game without Kane where we expect Dybala to be targeted by physical CBs. This suits us down to the ground, we want him to act a false 9, dropping deeper to overload the opposition DM and combine with Keita and Milinkovic to get them running beyond him. In this situation if a CB does stick tight to him, he has the ability to resit pressure and Spurs will leave a big gap for Guedes/Lozano to exploit. His movement to drop deep, or even wide to link up, will be followed by late runs into the box where he can ghost in to score.
Subs:
If Winning: Rodri for Keita 70’, 4-2-1-3. Diallo for Lozano 75’, 5-2–1-2. Castro for Gaya 80’.
If Drawing: Brandt for Guedes 60’, fresh legs. Bernardo Silva for Milinkovic 70’, extra creativity to find the killer ball. Sancho for Lozano 75’, super-sub.
If Losing: Silva for Odriozola 60’, Torreira can drop into CB, Bernardo RM in a 3-4-3, Lozano and Guedes can stay very close to Dybala. Sancho for Lozano 70’, fresh legs to attack a tiring defence, use Silva’s inside and outside runs. Brandt for Gaya 80’ if still losing, if we have got back into the game though, Guedes will be replaced by Diallo, Rudiger will go to RB in a 4-3-3.
posted on 1/10/18
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 9
Captain: Tarkowski
Vice Captain: Paredes
Team:
--------------------Ward
Bustos--Tarkowski—Veríssimo--Saracchi
-------------------Paredes
--------------Maycon---Paquetá
Pussetto-----------------------------Everton
---------------------Gómez
SUBS: Rossi, Conti, Olivera, Wendel, Vargas, González, Pedro
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Ward 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. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: Paredes will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Maycon and Paquetá will play just in front of Paredes. Maycon will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Paquetá will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Pussetto and Everton 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 Paquetá, Maycon and Gómez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Maycon may sit a bit deeper allowing Paquetá 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.
Gómez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Paquetá, Everton or Pussetto with Tarkowski, Veríssimo, Paredes and Gómez to offer an aerial threat. Paquetá and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Gómez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Conti for Veríssimo, Pedro for Gómez and Wendel for Maycon, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Vargas for Maycon and Pedro for Pussetto. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Pussetto and Vargas offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
----------------Paredes
Vargas------- Paquetá ----Everton
---------Gómez --------Pedro
posted on 2/10/18
------------------------------------Perin
Klostermann------de Vrij------David Luiz------Tagliafico
----------------------------Rudy--------Dahoud
Thauvin----------------------Ziyech--------------------Forsberg
---------------------------------Mariano
Subs: Müller, Baumgartl, Söyüncü, Kampl, Lallana, Brekalo, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Stefan de Vrij and David Luiz paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Dahoud 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 Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy 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 Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.
A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy 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 Rudy such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz 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 Rudy or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Klostermann and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Thauvin, Forsberg and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.
An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the opposition defence.
Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.
While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.
Subs on 75 mins
Lallana on for Ziyech, and Brekalo on for Forsberg
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 5/10/18
------------------------- Courtois ---------------------------
--------- Boateng ----- Hummels ------ Lenglet ---------
Cancelo ----- S.Khedira ------ M.Verratti ----- M.Alonso
------------------------- C.Eriksen --------------------------
------------- Kun Aguero ------- Timo Werner -----------
Subs:
Hart, Bailly, Hernandez, Dier, Under, Moura, Sturridge
Captain: Hummels
Free Kicks: Eriksen
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Eriksen
Team Tactics
We aren’t expecting many surprises today against a Newcastle side that will likely employ a high press and look to use the pace of their wide players to stretch the game. To counter this we employ a 3-4-1-2 formation which allows us to immediately drop into a 5-3-2 when not in possession. The aim is to take away their biggest threat, space. With no space in behind to use their pace and no space in the middle of a congested central midfield we feel that we can eliminate their biggest weapons and hit them on the counter with our own.
We will sit slightly deeper than usual today and get men behind the ball to frustrate them. This will also mean that they naturally start higher up the pitch when they begin their inevitable press. They will however be falling into our trap by doing so, we play two up top which means we have an immediate outlet, with the distribution of Lenglet and Boateng from the back it means we can make a lightening transition from defence to attack, completely bypassing their pressing game in the process.
When in possession our FB’s hog the flanks, we anticipate them playing a narrow midfield three so we aim to make the midfield as wide as possible. This will create an overload with our FB’s likely to have plenty of space to inflict damage going forward, Alonso in particularly is encouraged to go for goal when the opportunity arises.
When not in possession Eriksen drops into CM to accompany Khedira and Verratti, limiting the space for the opposition to play through the middle. Whilst they possess great quality in central midfield it is only likely to be Silva that will push forward and he will immediately be swamped by Khedira and Verratti when in possession.
We respect the workout of Kante but will look to play around him, move the ball out wide forcing him out of position as he looks to cover our advancing FBs as we then exploit the space he had vacated. Eriksen will be our dynamo and we expect him to thrive in the AM role if the opposition employ Jorginho at DM.
Defence
We expect Newcastle to play their customary front 3. To account for this we drop into a back 5 as soon as they are in possession. This will allow us to overwhelm their CF and remain solid defensively on the flanks, giving their wide players no room to operate. We sit deep eliminating any space in behind and taking away the ball over the top. Hummels will pick up the CF whilst Alonso and Cancelo will drop in alongside Boateng and Lenglet to form a compact back 5. We force their wide men down the line and do not let them cut infield, with an extra defender at the back any attempt to come infield will mean they immediately hit traffic with the middle of the park extremely congested. Going forward our FBs have superb delivery and will look to whip early crosses in for our front two to attack.
Midfield
We go with a midfield three aimed at combating the strengths of the opposition and exploiting their weakness. We employ the double pivot of Khedira and Verratti in front of the defence. Both strong in the tackle and capable of breaking up the opposition play whilst also offering quality going forward with their superb distribution. We keep things tight in the middle of the park giving them no room to operate. We feel that Eriksen will be a key player in the AM role, likely to be up against Jorginho in the deep midfield role we feel that Eriksen is the perfect player to exploit his defensive deficiencies.
We will constantly look to get him on the ball, playing between the lines and supplying our two strikers. Afforded time and space he has the ability to pick the opposition apart whilst also encouraged to shoot from distance. With the pace of Werner and intelligent movement of Aguero ahead of him we feel that he could well be our key to success.
Forwards
With the team sitting slightly deeper to negate the pace of the opposition we feel that our front two will thrive playing on the break with plenty of space ahead of them. Both possess great bursts of speed and Aguero in particular is a deadly finisher. The opposition have some top CB’s however we will look to move them around. Aguero will be the link-up between midfield and attack, look to get the ball into his feet for quick one two’s to create space to get the shot off. Werner will drift along the frontline, if the opposition focus on stopping the ball into Aguero’s feet then Werner will look to exploit the space in behind with his pace. With Eriksen supplying the ammunition and our FBs whipping balls in from the flanks both strikers will be on high alert as we operate a shoot on sight policy.
The aim is to play a tight defensive game. Hit them on the break, take the lead and then soak up the pressure. A solid defensive structure will allow us to frustrate the opposition all afternoon and eventually pick them off as they commit more men forward. The perfect game plan to take all 3 points.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Werner off, Dier on.
70 mins: Eriksen off, Bailly on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out with an impenetrable back 6 and defensive midfield cover.
If drawing:
60 mins: Khedira off, Lucas Moura on. Eriksen alongside Verratti in midfield with Moura and Werner either side of Aguero in a front 3.
70 mins: Werner off, Sturridge on. We bring on the super sub Sturridge who only needs half a chance to grab the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Lenglet off, Sturridge on.
65 mins: Cancelo and Khedira off, Moura and Under on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Sturridge and Werner up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
posted on 6/10/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
__________Jorginhoh
________Kante___D.Silva
Salah______Suarez________Mane
SUBS: Rose, Milner, Lukaku, Koke, N’Zonzi, Reus, Bobby
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: James Milner
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: James Milner
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
70 mins: Milner comes on for Silva, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner 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: Lukaku comes on for Jorginho and play 2 up front.
posted on 7/10/18
BRUM vs Leicester
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj------------Skriniar---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
---------------------Soler----------------Cristante---------------------
Neres-----------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, Pellegrini, F Anderson, Keita, Dembele
CAPTAIN - SKRINIAR
CK'S - NERES
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
I want us to start the game with a high tempo, close the oppo down and win the ball back quickly. Play quick passes forward and try and get an early goal. I want Neres and Kluivert to use their pace on the wings to create chances for the rest of the team. 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.
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. Skriniar and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Skriniar will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. 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. Ndidi and Cristante will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi 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 wingers.
Centre Mids
Cristante + Soler
Cristante will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Soler will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Soler will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Cristante and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Soler to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Neres + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres likewise from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Dembele for Soler and Anderson for Neres to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Skriniar-----------Maguire------------Dalot
-----------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-----------------------------------Cristante------------------------------------
-------------------Dembele---------------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Cristante and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Neres and Keita for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Skriniar--------Maguire-------Dalot
----------------------------Ndidi--------Soler----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Anderson--------------------------------Kluivert----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Keita----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Pellegrini on for Soler
Dembele on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 7/10/18
————————————Pope
Odriozola————Sule——————Rudiger————Gaya
————————————Rodri
——————Keita————————SMS
—B.Silva————————Kane————————Lozano
Subs: Svilar, Castro, Diallo, Torreira, Sancho, Brandt, Guedes
Captain: Harry Kane
Free Kicks: Bernardo Silva
Penalties: Harry Kane
Corners: Bernardo Silva
In build up we look to beat the press through clever movement. We want Rodri to use his movement 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 the 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 Villa 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, forcing them to sit deeper, giving us more time on the ball to build and them less of a threat going forward.
Today we are looking to get Silva/Milinkovic/Keita on the ball in underloaded areas of the midfield and between the opposition lines where they can then drive forward at pace. Whilst we want our FBs to push higher up the field when we have established possession in order to keep the Villa FBs pegged back and kept wide, so that Silva and Lozano can play closer to Kane and the CMs and create fluid movement between the lines.
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 Keita free reign to combine down the left. Likewise down the right, at times Gaya can drop back and allow Milinkovic to overlap and Lozano to come inside and vice versa, where Lozano’s pace against FB and CB cause real issues, as well as his clinical finishing.
The end goal is to have the opposition FBs and CBs caught in two minds as to which run to follow, whilst continually maintaining a 3 man midfield to keep the opposition midfield occupied, and unable to support FB or CB without leaving a big gap. In the end this means that if the FBs tuck in to stop our central players having too much space, we have an easy ball to the overlapping player, who then gets a cross in, and if the FB stays wider to deal with this threat, the likes of Lozano, Silva, Keita and Milinkovic will find space through the middle to isolate the CB who isn’t picking up Kane.
Kane occupies CBs and can drop deep or wide to aid build up, but his main role is to find space to get in on goal.
Layered high press, using the curved runs of the wingers towards the opposition CBs to squeeze them towards the middle, Kane 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 Villa 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 Villa 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 Villa’s wingers to be pegged back by our FBs attacking movements.
Subs:
If Winning: Torreira for Keita 70’, fresh legs, more disciplined in midfield. Castro for Lozano 75’, Gaya will go LW. Diallo for Gaya 85’, 5-4-1.
If Drawing: Sancho for SMS 65’, Sancho goes RW, Silva into midfield to pull the strings. Sancho attacks tiring defenders. Brandt for Lozano 75’. Guedes for Silva 80’, 4-4-2 for the last 10 minutes to try get the win.
If Losing: Guedes for SMS 60’, 4-4-2, Guedes working around Kane to put extra pressure on the CBs. Sancho for Keita 65’, Silva from CM, Sancho out wide. Brandt for Lozano 70’.
posted on 7/10/18
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal
Injuries: Januzaj, Diawara, Rakitic, Celina
------------- Arrizabalaga
Hakimi - Marquinhos - Tah - Shaw
-- Sturaro - Fernandinho - Meyer
--- Di Maria - Immobile - Perisic
Subs: Leno, Maffeo, Vida, Matic, Ozil, 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, Sturaro, 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 Sturaro 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 Sturaro and Meyer alongside you if you're closed down.
Sturaro/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 Sturaro 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 Ozil on. Change to 5-3-1-1, Vida an extra CB, midfield trio of Sturaro, Fernandinho and Matic, with Ozil in the AM role providing support to Immobile upfront.
If drawing: Meyer off, Ozil on. Switch to a 4-2-3-1, Sturaro and Fernandinho in midfield, Ozil to AM behind Immobile. Try and find a winner.
If losing: Tah, Sturar and Meyer off, Vitolo, Ozil and Alcacer on. 3-1-4-2, Hakimi - Marquinhos - Shaw at the back, Fernandinho the playmaker from deep, Vitolo - Di Maria - Ozil - Perisic behind Immobile and Alcacer upfront. Push for goals.
posted on 7/10/18
MANCHESTER CITY vs Chelsea
Line-Up:
----------------------------------Rico-----------------------------------
Pereira-------------Caldara----------Romagnoli--------------Digne
-------------Rafinha----------Matuidi----------Golovin--------------
---------------------Fekir---------------Richarlison-------------------
------------------------------Mandzukic-------------------------------
Substitutes: Forster; Toure; Milenkovic; Oyarzabal; Lingard; Robben; Belotti
Captain: Matuidi
Penalties: Mandzukic
Free Kicks: Fekir
Corners: Rafinha
Tactics:
We setup with a strong defensive platform, hitting Chelsea with quick attacks in numbers as we go direct and down the wings, with our full backs pushing up to stretch the opposition formation. We go with 3 all-action box-to-box midfielders in front of the defence, looking to give the defence strong cover and give the attacking players more freedom to break forward quickly.
We will start in a 4-3-2-1 formation, dropping back to 4-5-1 in defence, in order to reinforce the midfield out of possession. Matuidi plays as the central midfielder, flanked by Golovin and Rafinha, while Richarlison and Fekir operate behind the centre forward, looking to alternate between using the wide and central channels and Mandzukic hold the CF position. All 3 front men can play across the pitch and will be encouraged to swap positions to keep defenders guessing.
The main objective of the frontline is to force the opposition GK to look for direct balls up to the forwards, where our large back four are set up to control any aerial threat. If the goalkeeper does try to go short to his centre-backs, we will them towards the central channel, while blocking the passing lanes to the either the holding midfielder or CM partnership. Our central forward player is key here, as he will constantly be closing the passing lanes through the middle.
We will prevent the Chelsea midfielders from linking up with their forwards, forcing them to play backwards and then piling the pressure on the player in possession. Matuidi and Golovin stand out in particular here, organising the defensive effort with high-octave pressing, and ensuring Chelsea cannot establish a dominance in the centre of the pitch. To facilitate this pressing game, we will expect our front 3 to close down should Chelsea choose to play out from the back, while our full backs mark their men aggressively. Rafinha will hold the formation from just in front of the centre backs, looking to intercept play through the centre.
Should Chelsea launch an attack, the aim is to remain tight in the defensive third - the two wing forwards will drop into midfield to cover any overlapping runs made by the Chelsea full backs, and we will completely crowd the central channel of the pitch; this will force Chelsea to either make their play down the flanks against 2 athletic defenders, or play backwards where our forward will be waiting to press and intercept.
We will be lethal on the counter-attack. The speed of the first wave of our breaks will ensure they escape concerted pressure from Chelsea. Our attackers surge forwards, positioning themselves in behind the line of pressure ahead of the ball, thus providing the player who won the ball plenty of possession. Matuidi will be the standout player in these situations; with an impressive understanding of when and where to attack the free space both with and without the ball.
We will vary our approach in attack, alternating between direct play and passing through the thirds. Rico will often look to move the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible, while the midfield has plenty of strength, aggression, and attacking intent in the middle of the park, constantly seeking to exploit any gaps in behind their opposing midfielders. Golovin and Rafinha have the ability to make particularly good use of the space on the inside, projecting their side forwards in attack where they will outnumber the Chelsea defensive midfield area. Moreover, giving Rafinha free reign in the midfield will add another dimension to our attack, as his dribbling through the centre of the pitch can draw players out of position and open up space for our attackers to run into. In addition to this, his technical prowess at feeding through-balls in tight spaces will create numerous chances for our forwards to put away.
In the attacking phase, we will opt for combination play, swapping between short passes to lure the Chelsea defenders into the opposition half and more ambitious passes through the thirds. Our high tempo will disrupt our opponents, both in midfield and in the final third. The pace and movement of our forwards will cause chaos for the Chelsea midfielders, who will be put under severe pressure to attempt to protect their midfield against the pace and direct nature of our attack. We will put our opponents under constant pressure, with our dangerous front three of Richarlison, Fekir and Mandzukic forcing their way in behind their full-backs and posing constant problems for the centre-backs. At the same time, our full backs have the athleticism and talent to get up the pitch along the byline and drill in low, hard crosses that will cause panic among the defenders.
As a collective, we are well balanced. In the final third we will locate our biggest threats in prime positions, where they will cause constant uncertainty in the last line of defence. Mandzukic, Fekir and Richarlison will regularly find openings with their pace and direct play, successfully exploiting the space in between the centre-backs and the full-backs alongside them.
In the defensive transition, we will re-organise quickly and effectively after losing the ball, Golovin and Matuidi leading the way in swarming around the man in possession, with both being used to implementing a high pressing system, with Rafinha adept at covering the inside lanes and intercepting play. We will prevent Chelsea from outnumbering us in this phase of the game, reducing the threat of the counter-attack.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Lingard on for Golovin – A hard-working player who will give his all in any position, we are putting Lingard in an advanced central midfield role to use his stamina as a foil for the Chelsea midfield.
70 minutes: Robben on for Richarlison – Fekir and Robben swap places, allowing Robben to operate from his favoured right flank, and giving Fekir a free role to cause havoc at the back.
75 minutes: Belotti on for Mandzukic – Like for like sub to provide fresh legs up top
posted on 7/10/18
------------------------Lloris
-------Manolas---Kompany---Sane
Danilo------Goretzka----Ramsey---Rodriguez
--------Malcom-------------------Costa
------------------------Cavani
Pickford, Maitland-Niles, Llorente, Cook, Tadic, Aspas, Foden
Another change of formation today should bamboozle the opposition a bit. We picked up our first point last time, and I expect to go a step further today. I have picked a side that I think allows us license to attack and commit men to attack whilst also providing us with an adequate defensive base. For this system to work we have to focus on the energy and pace that we possess both through the middle and out wide, and need to know our positional game and how to work with the ball and without it.
We do intend to play with the ball out the back, relying on Manolas and Sane spreading the play to our attacking wing backs. Kompany will look to provide an option between them, and will focus his distribution forward to our central midfield players. Balls out should be kept as simple as possible, with options provided short and simple, as players drop deep to pick up the ball. When off the ball they will work as a unit, allowing them to press members of the attack, whilst not creating positional space to be exploited behind them. Kompany will cover the others as they press forward, making sure that space behind is not present. All three will get forward for free kicks providing an aerial threat.
Goretzka and Ramsey will also contribute to the defensive system, with them alternating between pushing forward and sitting deep. When the opposition has the ball they will sit in front of the three men, covering the space and pushing out wide, to cover the spaces vacated by the wing backs. Both players have the manoeuvring ability to operate in this sort of deep lying system. When we pick the ball up, they will look to spread the play out wide, either to the wing backs or the inside forward wingers. One of them will also be allowed to operate as a box to box midfielder so that we can get as many men into the box as possible. When this happens, the other will sit back to shield the defence.
Danilo and Rodriguez are both attacking full backs, and so today I have decided to give them license to bomb forward and contribute to the attack. Both will push forward and overlap their respective narrow wingers. They won’t cut inside due to the fact that they should both be on their stronger foot and are both capable of whipping in great balls for our aerially strong striker. When off the ball they will get back into position, so as to cover the space out wide and prevent the opposition wingers from attacking effectively. They will keep their opposite number pinned out wide, before winning the ball back and attacking with pace on the counter. When our defenders have the ball they will pull out wide and provide a short passing option for the defenders.
Our narrow wingers are both direct players that are very capable of utilising their pace to run at the opposition and get in behind their defence. They sit slightly more narrow than conventional wingers so that they can target the central areas of the opposition defence, whilst the wing backs occupy the opposition wide players. Malcom and Costa are both quick players and so can stretch the opposition’s central areas, which will create a bit more space for Cavani that he can utilise to best effect. When we don’t have the ball they will stay forward, so as to either keep the opposition full backs in their defensive third, or to utilise the space that they leave behind when they push forward, running into space to make themselves available for the ball in behind.
Edinson Cavani has already proved himself to be potent in front of goal so far this season, and with Costa and Malcom he has two supporting players that are very capable of not only running at defenders, but also getting in behind, pulling their defenders apart, and creating space for Cavani to drop off slightly so that he can pick up the ball. He is physical enough to deal with the attention that he will no doubt be getting, and also to provide a consistent threat from set pieces and the crosses from our wide wing backs. With Costa, Malcom and a CM also getting into the box, there will be plenty of players to pick up the second ball should it drop to them.
Substitutions
If drawing/losing
Salif Sane off for Iago Aspas 65 mins
Switch to a 4-2-3-1 with Aspas playing in behind Cavani as a second striker. Goretzka and Ramsey will sit deep in midfield, covering the loss of a defender. Aspas can get in behind defenders along with Costa and Malcom.
Aaron Ramsey off for Phil Foden 75 mins
A more attacking midfielder to come on for Ramsey. Foden will look to engineer it that we are playing further up the pitch. Goretzka will sit further back, whilst foden looks to drift into space higher up and dictate the tempo and pace of the game.
Danilo off for Ainsley Maitland-Niles 80 mins
Maybe not a tremendously attacking substitution, but Maitland Niles is a strong player capable of bursting forward and contributing up the pitch. Fresh legs to the attack down the right, and we will look to utilise this side most for the last ten minutes.
If winning
Malcom off for Lewis Cook 70 mins
Switch to a 3-5-1-1, with Lewis Cook playing at the heart of the Arsenal midfield. He will serve as the linchpin, looking to dictate the play by hitting balls over the top to our attackers, specifically through to Douglas Costa, who will look to run past Cavani.
Edinson Cavani off for Iago Aspas 80 mins
Aspas comes on to act as a pacy counter attacking outlet for when we try and pick up the ball late in the game, as the opposition have to commit more men to the attack. We will be looking to hit balls in behind for him to chase.
Douglas Costa off for Dusan Tadic 85 mins
Tadic is a tidy player capable of keeping possession, and when we hold possession we are unlikely to concede. At this point we are making changes to close out the game.
posted on 7/10/18
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Sokratis----Verthongen----Cucrella
-------------------Dorsch
------------Rabiot-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Retsos, Luis, Locatelli, Fred, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Dorsch 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. Rabiot 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Fred for Rabiot and Luis for Cucurella - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Dorsch - Rabiot to DM, add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Retsos for Dorsch, Cucurella and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
In the event of a red card, got to a 4-4-1 formation, sub off Dorsch and get on a replacement for the position which was sent off.
posted on 7/10/18
Attacking 4-3-3
We look to play our usual attacking game and take the game to Birmingham, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago and Modric on the ball and looking to play killer balls to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Laporte the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Partey reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Thiago and Modric will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing of Thiago also improtant.
Getting Modric and Thiago on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and Marcelo and Alexander-Arnold always looking to provide an option.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. Brum have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Brum. One fb bombing forward at a time (usually Marcelo). The other fb advances ahead of the cbs but is more reserved and offers the option to switch going back the way.
Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game looking to take on their lb.
--------------------- Neuer
T.A-Arnold - S.Ramos - Laporte - Marcelo
--------------------- Partey
------------ Thiago.A ---- Modric
L.Sane ------------------------------ Hazard
-------------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Kehrer. Doucoure, Gundogan, Coutinho, Correa, D.Costa
Defending in numbers
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
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.
As Brum advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Partey presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Partey will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Modric picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Thiago presses the space next to and in front of Partey. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, getting the ball to our wingers and get balls into Ronaldo. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Modric and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh energy. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Correa for Hazard. Super sub. Fresh pace and energy, pushing tempo up.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Doucoure for Modric. Injects power and energy.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Coutinho for Modric. More attackin.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Sane. Ronaldo moves left, Hazard right.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Kehrer and Correa for Marcelo and TAA. 3-5-2. Hazard up top with Ronaldo. Sane left, Correa right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Coutinho for Partey.
posted on 7/10/18
------------------------- Ederson
--------- Van Dijk ----- Javi.M ------- Umtiti
K.Walker --------- Koke ----- Tolisso -------- B.Mendy
-------------- O.Dembele ---- Griezmann
----------------------- Aubameyang
Subs: Butland, Pavard, Ghoulam, Bentancur, Mahrez, T.Lemar, G.Jesus
3-5-2 today, defensively solid but looking to give our attackers the freedom to play.
Everton usually play with Lacazette as a target man up top so we'll look to isolate him with our 3 experienced CB's, cut off the supply and prevent him from linking with those in support.
Go with speed in attacking areas as their CB's lack pace, looking to use Koke and Tolisso as pivots spreading the play using our wing back's to surge forward and providing options off the ball in attack, getting bodies in the box.
Initially press intensively from the front with Auba, Griezz and O.Dembele, don't let them play out from the back and force mistakes. We want to control possession and isolate their CF so they have no outlet up top or a breather from defending.
3-4-1-2 - On the ball:
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, at times using our trio in attack as target men to bypass their mf press.
Van Dijk & Umtiti should shift slightly wider when on the offense allowing our wing-backs to push up in a bank of 4 in mf.
Koke and Tolisso, 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. Koke should look to stamp his authority with his work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, whilst Tolisso operates as the box to box mf, looking to pass and move and look to get our attackers in behind with his direct passing and off the ball runs. .
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.
Griezzy and O.Dembele will look to play more the AM role and inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Picking up pockets of space and using their awareness to dictate the play, running at their backline and using quick pace and incisiveness to commit defenders on the break.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
Two quick & skilful WG-backs in Walker and B.Mendy, 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 strikers to attack.
When Everton are in possession we will initally look to press from the front with our attacking trio and if they bypass this sit deep as a unit with 10 men behind the ball ensuring their is no space left in behind.
We 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 a forward attacker.
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 and frustrating the oppoistion.
If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. Walker & Mendy can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 3 burst forward.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (3-5-2)
- Bentancur > Tolisso
- G.Jesus > Aubameyang
Compact 3-5-2, we get fresh legs on and keep things solid, G.Jesus used as a nimble outlet to surge forward when possible
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (3-4-3)
- Lemar > Aubameyang
- Mahrez > O.Dembele
- Bentancur > Koke (80th min)
3-4-3, stretch the play and look to play more in wider areas at this stage with our midfield duo sitting in where we think Everton are most susceptible to being exposed.
IF LOSING: 77th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- G.Jesus > Javi.M
- Bentancur > Koke
- Mahrez > O.Dembele
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 - Van Dijk
FK's - Griezmann
Corners - O.Dembele
Pens – Griezmann
Red card, revert 4-4-1 formation and most sutiable player comes on, Pavard RB/CB, Ghoulam LB, Bentancur MF, Lemar/Jesus/ Mahrez in attack with Auba going off and Griezmann leading the line
posted on 10/10/18
Bournemouth Tactics: Week 10
TEAM – 4-2-3-1
Captain – Walace
Vice Captain - Militão
-------------------Grohe
Bustos---Militão---Rabello--- Olivera
-----------Walace--Paredes
Pussetto------Paquetá---------Everton
------------------Gómez
SUBS – Armani, Murilo, Álvarez, Wendel, Rodríguez, Cunha, Pedro Guilherme
Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We also pose a very dangerous threat on the counter. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Paredes and Walace holding in the middle with Paquetá just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
When/if under sustained pressure Paredes will sit deeper alongside Walace and Paquetá will be expected to be his energetic self and press the opposition midfield and knock them out of their rhythm. Our wingers and full backs will sit a wee bit deeper too but always alert and ready to use their speed at any chance of a counter
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Gómez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Paquetá, Pussetto and Everton, the opposition can always expect the unexpected when we are on the attack. We will not be afraid to hit them on the counter as with our full backs and wingers we have enough speed and skill to beat most teams. We will also be very respectful of what the opposition can do and will look to press them with urgency when we are looking the ball. We will take the risks we need to open them up ONLY when the correct chance arises. In saying that we will have a measured approach and if they try to play with a high tempo we will match that. We are not here to let them dictate the game. We will play it how we want to play and we will have a right go at them.
We will use Walace and Paredes to dictate the tempo of the play to suit our moment. I think with our mobility and physicality we can really stamp our authority on this area right from the off. The wingers will be asked to vary the attack between taking the full backs on the outside, or cutting inside. Whatever seems right at the moment – in order to carve up their defence. The pace of the wingers will cause a lot of headaches and the ability of both wingers and the AM to interchange positions will be something we will use to add to the confusion in the opposition ranks. We will look for our midfield to make it very difficult for them to link up play between their midfield and the front men – hopefully meaning their attack will not see a whole lot of the ball.
Without the ball we will look to Paquetá/Paredes to press and give the opposition no space at all to work. When in possession we will take our time and keep our passing neat and simple. We will be looking for Paquetá (supported by Paredes) to orchestrate our attacks. He will be the main man in creating the openings. We will look to our speed outside and on the overlap as well as the cleverness of Paquetá in playing the ball through and behind the defenders giving our attacking widemen and CF plenty of ammunition to get on the end of.
Free Kicks/Corners - Paquetá, Everton and Pussetto with Rabello, Militão and Paredes expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Gómez or Everton
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Murilo for Rabello and Rodríguez for Pussetto – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Pedro Guilherme for Walace, and Rodríguez for Pussetto (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
--------------------Paredes
Rodríguez------Paquetá------Everton
-------------Gómez--Pedro Guilherme
posted on 10/10/18
Attacking 4-3-3
At home, we play a high energy attacking game and take the game to City, controlling possession and the game. Dominate possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Get Thiago and Ceballos on the ball and opening up the opposition using the pace of our attacking players. We think we can find space between their midfield and defence.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, finding space behind their midfield. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our possession play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play to switch it up or find a player in space.
As you'd expect, possession starts at the back, Kehrer the man marker next to Ramos who is free. In midfield, Casemiro reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm, Thiago and Ceballos both offer a high work rate and are brilliant at pressing and winning the ball back quickly.
Getting Thiago and Ceballos on the ball and get pushing up the pitch, they are used to being on the offensive and playing in tight spaces, so we look to them to pick the passes. But if they play a high line they can pick the passes through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the two and the attacking trio and attacking fbs.
The defence will be patient on the ball, will be hugely important in keeping possession and pushing us up the pitch. Playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front. As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving. City have great pace in attack, but they'll be tired from chasing us keep the ball while we also have pace at the back.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up City. At home, both full backs attack. Casemiro offering protection in front of the defence, and an option to go backwards to start the attack again.
Hazard has a free role in attack, with Marcelo offering width on the left. On the right, Sane stays wide stretching the game and linking up with Carvajal to take on their lb.
-------------------- Neuer
Carvajal - S.Ramos - Kehrer - Marcelo
----------------- Casemiro
---------- Thiago.A -- Ceballos
L.Sane -------------------------- Hazard
----------------- C.Ronaldo
Subs. Schmeichel, Gomez, Gundogan, Modric, Geubbels, Correa, D.Costa
High press
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the two closest players either side press the passing channels either side. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
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.
As City advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-3-1-1. One winger on the side of play will track any forward runs made by their fb on this side, the other winger sits on their deepest cm/dm. Casemiro presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence, the cms pressing their midfield.
In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Casemiro will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. Thiago picks up the most advanced cm. The winger opposite play comes inside and sits on their deepest cm while Ceballos presses the space next to and in front of Casemiro.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in. They like to come inside, where Ceballos and Casemiro will be there to close down and help the fb.
Attack.
Get the ball to our midfield trio, get them linking up with quick passing, get in between the lines and get balls into Ronaldo. The front trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game. We look to find space between their defence and midfield, committing defenders from there and playing killer balls.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Thiago, Ceballos, attacking fbs and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep the ball moving and keep possession.
Ronaldo has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Costa for Ronaldo. Fresh energy. Pushes tempo up.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Modric for Ceballos. Brings composure and inteligence to mdifield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Geubbels for Sane. Fresh pace and energy, pushing tempo up.
If drawing after 60 mins bring on Modric for Ceballos. More composure in midfield.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Costa for Sane. Ronaldo moves left, Hazard right.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Gundogan for Casemiro, Thiago to Busquets role.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Gomez and Correa for Marcelo and Carvajal. 3-5-2. Hazard up top with Ronaldo. Sane left, Correa right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Modric for Casemiro.
posted on 11/10/18
----------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Fabinho ----- Stones ----- Varane ----- Henrichs
---------------------- Tousart ------------------------
---------------- Pjanic ----- Pogba ------------------
Mbappe ------------------------------------- Neymar
----------------------- Piatek -------------------------
Meret, Akanji, Kessie, Zielinski, Bernardeschi, Rodrigo, Maddison
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 Pjanic, 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, Piatek slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow Pjanic 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, Fabinho and Henrichs 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 Pjanic, 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, Pjanic 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. Pjanic 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 Pjanic) 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 Pjanic 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 Piatek 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, bang on form as Europes top marksman atm, 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 Piatek 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 - Piatek/Neymar
Corners - Pjanic
Free Kicks - Pjanic
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - Rodrigo for Pogba go 4-4-2 with Rodrigo going to the right and Mbappe just off Piatek
75 Mins - Bernardeschi for Henrichs, 343 with Neymar going to the left of Piatek and Mbappe to the left of him, Fabinho RCB
Winning -
75 Mins - Kessie for Pogba, sit in a midfield 3 adding a bit of bite
85 Mins - Bernardeschi for Piatek, he goes to LW to help out Henrichs as they push and Neymar up top 451
Drawing -
70 Mins - Rodrigo for Pogba, he goes to RW and Mbappe just behind Piatek 4231
80 Mins - Zielinski for Pjanic fresh legs
83 Mins - Maddison for Piatek, Mbappe goes up top to hurt them as they ture and Maddison looks to open them up as a No.10
posted on 11/10/18
------------------------- Courtois -------------------------
Cancelo ---- J.Boateng ------ M.Hummels ---- Alonso
-------------- M.Verratti ------ Arthur.M ---------------
M.Asensio ----------- C.Eriksen -------------- A.Martial
----------------------- Kun Aguero -----------------------
Subs:
McCarthy, Aurier, Hernandez, Lenglet, Dier, L.Bailey, T.Werner
Captain: Hummels
Free Kicks: Eriksen/Asensio
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Eriksen
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for 3 points. Our three AM’s in support of Aguero will be key components of this style as we feel we pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. Verratti and Arthur offer great quality on the ball from a slightly deeper position as they both possess a fantastic range of passing, able to break the lines and play that killer pass in to our attacking quartet. We will look to dictate the play and frustrate the opposition when in possession, continually moving them around, making them chase the ball by switching flanks. In doing so we will not only be wearing them down but also continually pulling them out of shape, breaking down their defensive structure as we look to make numerous openings as we go for goals in today’s match up.
Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly 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 and we feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they 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. Turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
We aim to play on the front foot, hit them early to take the lead and then exploit the space in behind as they push forward for an equaliser. We start fast, high intensity and pressing from the front, putting them under immediate pressure we can force mistakes early on.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with experience and quality we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We have two strong and aerially imposing CB’s to deal with the threat posed by their 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, Alonso in particular offers a real threat down the left with his strong attacking prowess and penchant for contributing goals/assists going forward. Martial will often drift infield taking the opposition FB with him which will create space for Alonso to exploit, he will at all times be looking for the runs of Aguero whose movement and finishing is simply world class. Cancelo offers a similar threat from the right however only one will push forward at a time to ensure we keep a balanced defence and have plenty of cover to snuff out any opposition counter attack. Keep the wingers down the line and do not let them come infield.
If the opposition play one up top then Hummels will mark, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Boateng will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will also be the one to bring the ball out from defence. Nothing fancy just look to get the ball into the feet of our CM’s or the runs of our wide men who will look to do all the damage.
Midfield:
Arthur comes in for his league debut, a fantastic little player who alongside Verratti will be key to our style of play with their quick passing. Keep the ball moving, continually recycling possession and making the opposition chase shadows. Don’t force the issue as we aim to run them down, tired legs leads to tired minds and we feel that this will lead to plenty of openings as we continually move them out of shape. Forming a double pivot in front of our defence they not only offer protection but form the first line of our attack. Look for the early runs of the wide players as they possess electric pace and will be looking to get in behind the oppositions defence at all times. Eriksen plays ahead of them in the AM role, a gifted technician in his own right he will be looking to craft opportunities all afternoon. With the runs of Asensio, Martial and Aguero to pick out we feel that he will thrive. An assist master we also encourage him to go for goal should the opportunity arise, we anticipate the opposition sitting deep and an Eriksen thunderbolt from distance is always on the cards when given space.
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. Asensio and Martial 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 Aguero 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 Aguero in the middle. Both wingers have fantastic workrate and will be a constant outlet as they make runs in behind when our playmakers are in possession. Aguero 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 we look to lay down a marker.
Subs;
If winning:
60 mins: Arthur off, Dier on.
75 mins: Martial and Alonso off, Lenglet and T.Hernandez on. We tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out with an impenetrable back 5 and defensive midfield cover.
If drawing:
60 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on. Eriksen alongside Verratti in midfield with Bailey, Asensio and Martial all in support of Aguero.
75 mins: Martial off, Werner on. We switch to two up top in a 4-2-2-2 formation. Asensio and Bailey on the flanks with a deadly front two of Aguero and Werner as we go for the winner.
If losing:
55 mins: Arthur off, Bailey on.
65 mins: Cancelo off, Werner on. We revert to 3-4-3 with Aguero, Werner and Martial up top as we go for goals, goals, goals.
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Arthur will be replaced with one of the below whilst Eriksen (or his replacement) drops into a midfield two. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
------------------------ T.Courtois ------------------------
Cancelo ----- J.Boateng ---- M.Hummels --- M.Alonso
M.Asensio --- M.Verratti ---- C.Eriksen ----- A.Martial
------------------------ Kun Aguero ------------------------
GK – McCarthy
RB – Aurier
LB – T.Hernandez
CB – Lenglet
CM – Dier
WG – Bailey
ST – Werner
posted on 13/10/18
--------------------- De Gea ----------------------
Bellerin --- Bonucci --- Chiellini --- Phil.Max
--------------------- Danilo -----------------------
-------------- A.Vidal --- R.Neves --------------
F.Chiesa ------------------------------- Rashford
---------------------- Icardi -----------------------
Scuffet, Sidibe, Tierney, Iniesta, B.Traore, Shaarawy, Morata
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team from the front and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Vidal, Neves and Danilo as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Bellerin and P.Max have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Icardi. They look to play one twos with the attacking midfield 3 which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Bonucci the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Chiellini alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot very powerful defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both up for corners, fullbacks and Danilo stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Danilo's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Vidal is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Neves main responsibility is to create chances for the three attackers in front of him. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Neves is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Neves to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Neves to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Icardi so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Icardi will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Neves and the wingers. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower of the cbs, 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 with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Rashford, Chiesa and Neves will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Neves as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Chiellini
Pens - Icardi
FK's - Neves
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - Bertrand Traore for Vidal, he goes up top 4-4-2
80 Mins - Morata for Bellerin, Danilo drops into a more CB/DM role and Iniesta for Max 343 and he will try and open things up for our front 3/5
Winning -
75 Mins - Sidibe for Chiesa, Sidibe to RB and Bellerin to LM, shuts that side down
82 Mins - Tierney for Rashford hje goes LB and Max LM we go 4141 defensive for final few mins to shut this game out
85 Mins - Iniesta for Neves - control the last few mins when in possession
Drawing -
70 Mins - Traore for Chjiesa, Coman for Rashford, new fresh, pace down the flanks
80 Mins - Iniesta for Vidal, again looking to open it up for Icardi and co
posted on 13/10/18
BRUM VS spurs
---------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj--------------Diop---------------Maguire---------------Dalot
----------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------------
-----------------Hamsik----------------Kondogbia---------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------Higuain------------------------------------------
Subs - Lunin, Mukiele, Fabian Ruiz, Zaha, F Anderson, Soler, Batshuayi
CAPTAIN - HAMSIK
CK'S - HAMSIK
FK'S - NERES
PENALTIES - HIGUAIN
I want us to start the game with a high tempo, close the oppo down and win the ball back quickly. Play quick passes forward and try and get an early goal. I want Neres and Kluivert to use their pace on the wings to create chances for the rest of the team. 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.
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. Diop and Maguire bring a whole lot of experience and pace to the defence. Maguire will use his experience to marshal the defence and Diop will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. 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. Ndidi and Kondogbia will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi 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 wingers.
Centre Mids
Kondogbia + Hamsik
Kondogbia will play more as a b2b mid but will be able to help both in attack and defence as he has a lot of stamina. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep. Hamsik will be playing CM on paper but his main role will be to help in attack. When not in possession of the ball Hamsik will look to close down the oppo DM's and win the ball off them. No need to stay too deep as Kondogbia and Ndidi are adequate cover in the middle. When attacking I want Hamsik to make runs into the oppo box and bring others into the game. Play 1 2's with the wingers and create space for yourself and your teammates. Shoot if you see an opening at goal.
Wingers
Neres + Kluivert
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. They are 2 young and hungry players and I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Kluivert will be looking to cut in from the right and Neres likewise onto his left. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Hysaj and Dalot are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Higuain to get his head on. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Striker
Gonzalo Higuain
Higuain will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and hold the ball up for Kluivert/Neres to make infield runs ahead of you.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Batshuayi for Ndidi, Anderson for Neres and Zaha for Hamsik to bring some more pace on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
--------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------------Diop-------------Maguire------------Dalot
-----------------------------Kondogbia ------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anderson----------------------------------------------------------Kluivert
-----------------------------------Zaha------------------------------------
---------------------Batshuayi--------Higuain--------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Hamsik and put on Mukiele in CB and play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Anderson on for Neres and Zaha for Higuain.
-------------------------------Lafont--------------------------------
Hysaj-------Mukiele------Diop--------Maguire-------Dalot
------------------------Ndidi--------Kondogbia ----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------Anderson--------------------------------Kluivert----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Zaha----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Anderson on for Neres
Soler on for Hamsik
Batshuayi on for Higuain
Fresh legs to bring on.
*RED CARD SCENARIO*
-If GK gets sent off, take off Kondogbia and put on Lunin. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
-If any of the defenders get sent off, take of Kondogbia and put on Mukiele, who can play anywhere across the back four, in the sent off players position. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
-If any of my 3 CM's get sent off, change formation to 441 with the 2 remaining CM's in centre mid.
-If my striker gets sent off, take off Kondogbia and put on Batshuayi in strike. Change formation to 441 with Hamsik and Ndidi in centre mid.
posted on 13/10/18
-------------------------Perin
Conti-----Baumgartl------David Luiz----Tagliafico
----------------Rudy-----------Kampl
Thauvin--------------Ziyech----------------Forsberg
-----------------------Mariano
Subs: Müller, Söyüncü, Guerreiro, Eiting, Lallana, Brekalo, Jovic
Our defensive unit consists of Timo Baumgartl and David Luiz paired up at centre-back, Andrea Conti at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Sebastian Rudy and Kevin Kampl as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Rudy and Kampl 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 Kampl can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Rudy 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 Kampl’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Kampl running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Sebastian Rudy.
A holding midfielder through and through, Rudy 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 Rudy such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Florian Thauvin, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Mariano Díaz 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 Rudy or Kampl, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Conti and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Rudy and Kampl can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Florian Thauvin and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Thauvin, Forsberg and Mariano in via fast passing combinations.
An out and out explosive centre-forward, Mariano is known for the abundance of pace and power that he possesses. Standing tall at close to 6ft, Mariano has a strong and sturdy physical frame that he’ll use well to bully the opposition defence.
Mariano has a fierce right-foot and is an equally strong header of the ball too, which will make him a huge threat in and around the penalty box. With his pace combined with his dribbling ability and the power that he possesses, Mariano will brush aside defenders and run past them with nonchalance.
While he is explosive and dangerous with the ball at his feet, what makes Mariano even more exciting is his excellent movement off the ball and the ability to make those smart runs in behind the defenders.
Subs on 75 mins
Guerreiro on for Tagliafico, and Brekalo on for Forsberg
Lots of fresh legs and pace to trouble the opposition for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 13/10/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Azpi____Alder___Godin___Robbo
__________Jorginho
________Kante___D.Silva
Salah______Suarez________Reus
SUBS: Koulibaly, Radja, Lukaku, Koke, N’Zonzi, James, Bobby
Captain: Diego Godin
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: David Silva
Freekicks: Luis Suarez
Crossing Freekick: David Silva
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
70 mins: Radja comes on for Silva, 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: Lukaku comes on for Jorginho and play 2 up front.
posted on 14/10/18
-------------------Buffon
Florenzi----Inigo----Verthongen----Luis
------------------Brozovic
------------Fred-------Kovacic
Sterling-------------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Strakosha, Retsos, Cucurella, Locatelli, Lamela, Gameiro, Mkhi
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control, they have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance.
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 counters, When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out, they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style.
For the full backs 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. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who to 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.
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. 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, looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the attackers to drag the opposition defensive players out of position. 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 Gameiro, 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. 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 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. Fred 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. Brozovic 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 draw defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Kovacic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Mkhi 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 - Locatelli for Fred and Lamela for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Mkhi for Fred - add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Gameiro, Mkhi and Retsos for Fred, Luis and Florenzi - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 14/10/18
Leicester City v MANCHESTER CITY
Injuries:
Sergio Rico 01/09/93 24 Spain GK FG
Lucas Digne 20/07/93 25 France RB FG
Jack Harrison 20/11/96 21 England CAM Home Grown
Charly Musonda 15/10/96 21 Belgium LW Home Grown
Line up:
Forster
Pereira Caldara Romagnoli Caricol
Witsel Matuidi
Willian Fekir Golovin
Mandzukic
Corners: Golovin
Free Kicks: Fekir
Penalties: Mandzukic
Captain: Witsel
Substitutes: Woodman; Toure; Milenkovic; Dahoud; Rafinha; Robben; Richarlison
Tactics:
One tough test begets another as we move direct from playing Chelsea to facing possibly our toughest test yet in Leicester, away from our fortress. With that in mind, we are altering our style a bit by lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with 2 defensive midfielders, who will keep us structurally sound and will be the main pivot point that we organise our tactics around.
Away from home, the aim is to focus on setting up a solid defensive structure and breaking with pace as Leicester push high up the pitch in search of space, thereby leaving themselves flat-footed and with plenty of space in behind in which to operate. We are not going to attempt to outpass, nor even attempt to outpress our opponents, focusing instead on defensive solidity and attacking ruthlessness.
Defence:
When off the ball, we will make use of the tried and tested tactics of the 6-second press. In that first 6 seconds of not having the ball, we will commit two or three players to the man with the ball, with one person focusing on engaging the player directly while the others look to cut out passing lanes. The idea behind this is to cause the player on the ball to panic and play an errant pass that our side can pick up or play the ball all the way back to the keeper, thus giving us a chance to reset our defensive structure and forcing Leicester to start their attack from scratch.
However, should Leicester manage to keep hold of the ball and advance towards our goal, we will revert back to our solid structure, so that they cannot pick their way through the middle with intricate passing. We will aim to set up in a deep, narrow 4-2-3-1 in the defensive stage, with our back 4 deep enough so as to make balls over the top or in behind ineffective. Our full backs will tuck in on the corners of the 18-yard box so that their forwards can’t drift into space on the shoulders of our defenders. Our wingers, Willian and Golovin, will then drop deeper and look to cover the space between the box and the touchline so that Leicester’s wingbacks don’t get free reign to bomb down the flanks and put in crosses. Our wingers will make sure not to drop too deep as to essentially become full backs, however, so that Leicester know they still have to be wary of the counter attacking threat we pose. Golovin and Willian will both be excellent at this stage of the game due to their hard work-ethics and the discipline drilled into them on the defensive front by previous managers.
In the centre, Matuidi and Witsel will hold down the fort, making sure that Leicester can’t pass their way through our defence by using a pivot system, whereby one DM holds while the other puts pressure on the ball carrier. With Fekir nipping at their heels from behind, this will limit the effectiveness with which Leicester’s midfield can operate and will also make long shots ineffectual despite our deep defence.
With Fekir looking to pounce in the midfield whenever Leicester show a hint of a loose ball within the centre of the pitch, and with our wingers keeping a close eye on the flanks, it will be down to Mandzukic to make sure that Leicester’s defence cannot push up too far, thus pinning us firmly within our own half. He will do this by placing himself in the space between the two centre backs, making sure that they cannot pass between each other while also meaning that they can’t push out wide and stretch the play as, if they do, they provide far too much space in which to counter. When Leicester’s centre backs do have the ball in an advanced position, Mandzukic will look to accost the player on the ball while Fekir and our wingers attempt to close off any possible passing lanes, thus forcing Leicester to alter the way in which they want to attack.
The key to this defensive structure is preservation. We don’t want to play into Leicester’s hands by playing a high momentum game with lots of space around the pitch from pressing all over, just as we don’t want to expend too much of our energy chasing shadows when the effectiveness of our pacey counter will be enough to persuade Leicester into attacking with caution.
Attack:
The aim of our attack is to be as direct and as ruthless as possible. We will look to play the ball up to Mandzukic instantly, who can use his presence to keep hold of the ball even while under pressure from physically imposing centre backs. He can then play in our supporting trio of Fekir, Willian and Golovin, who are all fantastic dribblers of the ball, fast sprinters and who are all adept at playing in a direct manner of attack. We want to constantly be running at the Leicester defence, not playing an intricate passing game that can allow them to get some semblance of structure back into their ranks. By playing direct passes and sprinting forward, we can make sure that Leicester cannot defend with any shape and will be operating entirely on the back foot, usually in a situation where they are outnumbered by our attackers as their entire team has to move back from an attacking position. By playing with Golovin and Willian running from out wide and cutting into the space between the centre backs and full backs, Mandzukic looking to play off the shoulders of the centre backs and Fekir looking to find some space to operate, we can keep Leicester’s defence under panic with each attack, forcing them into mistakes.
Behind them, Witsel and Matuidi will track the defensive movements of Leicester’s midfielders, making sure that they can’t sit too high in case of a counter attack of their own, and also providing numerical support should we need it. Our full backs will look to push up the touchlines, with both adept at crossing, they will present themselves to swing in crosses from deep onto the head of Mandzukic, should the initial quick attack break down yet we maintain possession. Additionally, our centre backs will move up the pitch, as well, staying vocal with our full backs and defensive midfielders to warn them not to advance too far and leave too much space in behind.
Our plan B in terms of attacks is to look at dominating in set plays: with some sizeable players on our side of the pitch, and some instinctive operating from the edge of the box, we will be looking to drill balls into the box with pace, in the hopes of causing some chaos in the Leicester box. The longer that they are in panic mode, the better our chances are in this match.
Substitutions:
65 minutes: Richarlison for Golovin – Eager to impress against his parent club, he will be trying extra hard in all stages of the game.
70 minutes: Dahoud for Witsel – After 70 minutes of hard work, it will be time for another engine to take over in the centre.
75 minutes: Robben for Willian – In terms of super sub options, this is one of the most dangerous one could possibly field.
Page 6 of 20
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11