------------------ Courtois ------------------
Kehrer --- Bonucci --- T.Silva -- Marcelo
------------------ Busquets -----------------
--------- De Bruyne --- Eriksen -----------
Sancho ------ Lewandowski ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lunin, Konate, R.Sanches, Bale, Asensio, Cavani, Icardi
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: De Bruyne/Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Wingers
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as we look to play on the front foot and feel this with match up well with our opponents as we look to play at speed. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.
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 limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. Bonucci be the leader and pick up their main striker. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. T.Silva will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. Two of the best readers of the game and two fantastic leaders we look to shut down their attack and not give them an inch.
Our fullbacks will look to sit in, forming a solid defensive unit and giving the opposition no space to operate. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's.
Offensively both Kehrer and Marcelo have license to push forward, overlapping our wingers we look to outnumber them on the flanks, creating 2 v 1 scenarios which will give us opportunities to get in behind with both FB’s having great quality in the final third.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Busquets will be our holding player in the middle and operate as a DM. A fantastic reading of the game he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.
De Bruyne and Eriksen will be our magic men in the middle, acting as our creators in chief we look to get them on the ball as much as possible. With Busquets acting as an anchor they have freedom to get forward and pick apart the opposition. Short sharp passing will pull the opposition apart with both players capable of playing that killer pass in the final third. We want them to look for our forwards early, pinging the ball in behind for our front three to get onto as we look to hit them on the break.
Sancho & Hazard will also look drift in between the lines giving us an extra link up and creating a numerical advantage in midfield. Our gameplan is based on creating an overload in key areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape as they desperately scamper to cover the free man however in doing so they will be pulled out of shape and leaving gaps in their defence for our attackers to exploit.
Forwards:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, dangermen Sancho and Hazard flanking the predator Lewandowski in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Sanches on. Fresh legs as we keep our energy levels high.
80 mins: Sancho off, Konate on. Shut up shop time as we move to a compact 5-4-1 formation as we see the game out to take the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Sancho off, Asensio on. Fresh legs and pace as we look to exploit a tiring defence.
85 mins: Eriksen off, Icardi on. 4-2-2-2 with Lewandowski & Icardi up top and Asensio & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Asensio on. Hazard moves to AM creating an attacker trio alongside Sancho and Asensio with KDB pulling the strings behind.
80 mins: Kehrer off, Icardi on. We bring on an additional forward as we turn the screw and go for goals.
-------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Lenglet ------ Lucas.H
------- F. de Jong -- Bentancur -- F.Valverde -------
Mbappe -------------- Haaland -------------- M.Diaby
Lafont, Tapsoba, Locatelli, Pellegrini, Ferran, Greenwood, Dembele
Our game is based solely on 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, the back 4 must stay solid with de Jong, Bentancur and Valverde ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, our front 3 slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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. With a powerful midfield 3 Bissaka and Lucas are allowed to attack at will.
van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM/SS if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers/wing backs quiet, stop their attacks 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, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. Look to get in behind their attacking fullbacks. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Diaby to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Cb's to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Bentancursitting back.
Bentancur our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Valverde & de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, they both have 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.They always make themselves available for a return pass. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, as they link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front 3 and support, at times either could be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the other CM/Bentancur/CB pass. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get around players. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, they will follow their pass and make up the numbers up front. When they dont drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, they will look to form a front four/five as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and force them back away from our area and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers/forwards are extremely quick, very hard to mark, one is extremely powerful and the other has all the tricks in the book to get them passed their markers, 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe, Diaby and Haaland will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing our midfield to pick their moment to move into space as a No.10. If our Fbs push high and wide this will allow Mbappe/Diaby to go in central, this will make their defence disjointed and out of position. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, movement is essential to disrupt their defence, we must always make sure they are well supported, if they cant get the shot away they will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. They may not be the greatest defensively, all I ask is that they track their own men ie FBs, CBs if they move forward, and stop them getting too far up the pitch..
Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal, de Jong from deep
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins -
Dembele for Valverde 4-4-2
75 Mins -
Ferran for Bissaka, go to a back 3 Ferran to RW and Mbappe making a front 3, 3-4-3
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Bentancur, fresh legs and sit in
Drawing -
65 Mins - Ferran for Valverde, Go to RW, Mbappe up top 4-4-2
------------------------- Gulacsi -------------------------
Mukiele ------ Demirel ------ Rudiger ------ Chilwell
----------------- Partey -------- Witsel -----------------
D.Malen --------------- Foden ---------------- Sterling
------------------------- H.Kane -------------------------
Pope, Kamara, Rabiot, Nkunku, Reinier, P.Daka, L.Barry
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Foden & Kane harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & and the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Rudiger will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Demirel alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
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, I want them to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Foden and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Foden so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sterling and Malen will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,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 - Partey
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Foden/Reinier
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Nkunku for Witsel, Foden into CM, Nkunku to LM and Sterling up front with Kane
75 Mins - Louie Barry for Malen
Winning -
75 Mins - Rabiot for Foden, sit to the right of Partey who will drop back
Drawing
65 Mins - Reinier for Foden, Nkunku for Malen switch with Sterling
Just one change! I sold Brozovic so have replaced him in the starting eleven with Koopmeiners
NORWICH CITY v Arsenal
Woodman
Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Ajer, Grimaldo
Koopmeiners, Nández
Brooks, Fornals, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Justin, Tanganga, Rodon, Lewis, Bowen, Brewster
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Kristoffer Ajer paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners 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 Nández's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of David Brooks, Pablo Fornals and Todd Cantwell as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Koopmeiners or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both David Brooks and Todd Cantwell, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Pablo Fornals our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Fornals 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Brooks, Cantwell & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Brooks, Fornals & Cantwell to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Lewis on for Grimaldo and Bowen on for Brooks
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
PORTSMOUTH vs spurs
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------Ramos---------De Vrij-----------F Mendy
---------------------------------- Diawara ------------------------------------
-----------------Kovacic ---------------- Goretzka ----------------------
--------------------------------- Bruno -----------------------------------
------------------ Ronaldo -------------- Abraham -----------------
Subs - Safonov, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Adama, Barnes, Fekir, Isak
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - BRUNO
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. De Vrij and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. De Vrij will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Castagne + Mendy
Castagne and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Isak is very good in the air. Diawara will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
Diawara
Diawara will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Kovacic/Goretzka.
Centre Mids
Goretzka + Kovacic
Kovacic will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Goretzka will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Ronaldo + Abraham
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Ronaldo to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Goretzka and put on Guendouzi in DM next to Diawara to give the defence even more protection. Adama on for Kovacic to play RM and Barnes on for Abraham to play LM.
-------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne--------Ramos-------De Vrij--------Mendy
---------------Guendouzi--------Diawara---------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------Barnes
-------------------------------Bruno---------------------------------
---------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Take off Kovacic and put on Fekir in AM. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Swap Diawara for Adama aswell.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------De Vrij-------Ramos--------Mendy
--------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Goretzka ------- Bruno ----------------
------------------------------- Fekir ------------------------------
------ Adama-----------Abraham------------CR7 -----------------
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Fekir on for Bruno
Ndombele on for Kovacic
Adama on for Abraham
Fresh legs.
SOTON VS Newcastle
----------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola------Upamecano--------Dias--------Sessegnon
---------------------------Aouar---------Llorente--------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, SMS, McTominay, Olmo, Kulusevski, Kean
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. 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. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Kabak 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. Llorente will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Llorente + Aouar
Llorente 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Llorente in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. 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. Odriozola and Sessegnon 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 Richarlison to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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.
Attack Mid
Felix
Felix will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Aouar and SMS for Felix to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------------Llorente---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------SMS-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Sarr in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Kulusevski on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Sarr------Upam------Kabak--------Sessegnon
-----------------------------SMS--------Llorente---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Kulusevski---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
SMS on for Llorente
Olmo on for Felix
Fresh legs to bring on.
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League Round 3
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Iago
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Henrique
Antony----------------------------Pepê
------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Murilo, Gabriel, Fernandes, Igor, Tetê, Cunha
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: Blanco 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: Roca 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. Guimarães and Henrique will play just in front of Roca. Guimarães will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Henrique 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 Antony and Pepê 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 Henrique, Guimarães and Vinícius 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 Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Henrique 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.
Vinícius 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: Henrique, Pepê or Antony with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Henrique and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Vinícius
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Torres, Cunha for Vinícius and Igor for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Tetê for Guimarães and Cunha for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cunha and Tetê offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-----------Roca
Tetê---Henrique----Pepê
------Vinícius---Cunha
Southampton v NORWICH CITY
Ramsdale
Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Ajer, Grimaldo
Gueye, Koopmeiners
Bowen, Buendía, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Woodman, Justin, Tanganga, Rodon, Nández, Saint-Maximin, Vlahovic
Captain: Suárez
Free Kicks & Penalties: Koopmeiners
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Kristoffer Ajer paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners 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 Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Jarrod Bowen, Emiliano Buendía and Todd Cantwell as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Koopmeiners or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Jarrod Bowen and Todd Cantwell, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Emiliano Buendía our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Buendía 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Bowen, Cantwell & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bowen, Buendía & Cantwell to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Justin on for Vrsaljko and Saint-Maximin on for Cantwell
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
4-4-fûćking-2.
We go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back, the formation gives us two solid lines of defence that will remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a tight unit. Importantly the formation allows us to play two forwards and two wide players for defence and attack on each side. We look to get at them down the wings taking advantage of the space behind their wide forwards.
The team selected importantly has the ability to play at a high tempo in attack and defence, starting with the front two. We expect the opposition will have more of the ball, however with two strong lines of defence we will keep them in areas they can’t hurt us.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings. We seek to hit the opposition on the counter. Old fashioned midfield pairing, where one goes and one sits. Not so old school small man small man combo up top gives us two forwards who can get involved in play. Although small both have the typical Argentine strength on the ball and fantastic dribbling and link up play to hold up the ball and get involved.
Laimer comes in as the workhorse in midfield known for his fantastic pressing, he and Pogba form a powerful and physically imposing midfield duo. His extremely high work rate, pressing and strong defensive covering gives Pogba more freedom to attack. Pogba is expected to play in a similar role as he has done for France, starting attacks from deep and then getting forward to join the attack from those deep positions.
We go with an unorthodox formation the opposition wont be expecting, drawing inspiration from the Leicester side that stunned and Simeone’s successful sides. With a narrow compact 4-4-1-1 defensive formation, we take away the ability of their wide forwards to find the ball in advanced area, force them back. Importantly both wide midfielders are strong defensively which is key to the formation working against their strong attacking wide players. Behind these wide players is where we see the space to attack, as they typically play two or even three deep cms.
We will direct our attacks down the wings and our play will be direct. Both full backs will have freedom to attack, one bombing down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers and attacking Cm with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly. Theo comes in for his paces, ability to come inside and get goals and his strong defensive ability.
We are happy to go long we have great strength in midfield with Pogba, Laimer and Theo all strong in the air.
Let’s fûćking kill em
————————————- Neuer
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
Bernardo.S —- Laimer —— Pogba —- Theo.H
———————— P.Dybala —— Lautaro
Subs. Ter Stegen, Militao, Neves, Thiago, Dembele, Gnabry, Lukaku
Burnley school of 4-4-2 defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Lautaro and Dybala drop in between the oppositions defenders and midfielders in front of the cms one on each sid. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be one forward and one wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Dybala then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Laimer to press the pay, leaving Pogba, Dybala and the wide midfielder covering space in the middle. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
Laporte the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Marquinhos intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push them out wide.
Attack
Once we win the ball, we attack from a deep position and so the opposition have likely committed men forward leaving space behind. The pace of our wide men, and Cm duo then comes into play as we seek to get the ball forward to our front two and support them quickly. We are happy to go long. We have the players strong in the air in midfield to win knock ins and have pace up top to go beyond.
We attack down the wings primarily. We get forward and play low crosses into feet.
If the counter fails, we then have players that can build an attack and retain possession in those high areas. Dybala can drop into the holes behind Lautaro, Pogba getting forward, with Silva, Carvajal, Theo, Alaba all able to create from nothing. They will then seek to buil attacks down the wings in triangles, Dybala the two wide players and Pogba seeking to work together to pull the opposition in different directions to create space.
When we attack we push forward as a team as the defence push up. We have pace at the back to guard against counter attacks, and in Neuer have the best and original sweeper keeper.
Long live 4-4-2.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Gnabry for Dybala. More pace in attack to stretch Chelsea and get at their tired defenders.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Thiago for Lautaro. Fresh energy in Cm. 4-5-1.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Dembele for Theo. Pace on to keep our energy levels high. Keep defence consistent.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Dembele for Theo and Gnabry for Dybala. Pace out wide and up top to get at tired legs.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Thiago for Pogba. Fresh legs in Cm.
If losing after 60 mins, bring on Gnabry for Theo. 4-2-3-1. Gnabry wide left, Silva wide right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Dembele for Bernardo. Pace out wide.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Lukaku for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba left centre back. Dybala AM.
------------------ Courtois -------------------
Bellerin -- De Ligt --- Bonucci -- Marcelo
---------- Busquets --- Casemiro ----------
----- Sancho ---- Eriksen ---- Hazard -----
---------------- Lewandowski ---------------
Subs:
Lunin, Konate, R.Sanches, Cuisance, Stengs, Cavani, Icardi
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Wingers
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 to progress. We go with Hazard, Sancho & Eriksen behind Lewandowski, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 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.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with our DM’s drifting across to offer additional support. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both Bellerin and Marcelo have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
We go with a powerhouse central midfield duo of Busquets and Casemiro. Together they will look to control the midfield, looking to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Busquets will play the holding role. A top class DM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the powerhouse that is Casemiro. Another solid defensive enforcer we give him the freedom to play a box to box role, allowing him to power forward in possession and rampage through the opposition midfield with his all action style.
Completing our midfield we have the playmaker Eriksen. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Lewandowski ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, creative geniuses Sancho and Hazard flanking the predator Lewandowski in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Sanches on. Fresh legs in the middle.
80 mins: Sancho off, Konate on. Shut up shop time as we move to 5-4-1 as we see out the 3 points.
If drawing:
70 mins: Busquets off, Icardi on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Lewandowski & Icardi up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
60 mins: Busquets off. Icardi on.
70 mins: Bellerin off, Cavani on. All out attack as we look to turn the game around.
------------------ De Gea -----------------
Pavard -- Skriniar -- Hummels - Mendy
----------- Torreira -- Pjanic ------------
R.Mahrez ----- H.Ziyech ----- A.Martial
----------------- T.Werner ----------------
Subs:
Muric, Bailly, Soumare, D.Silva, B.Diaz, L.Bailey, Leao
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid 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 with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back. Ziyech will look to dictate the play and always looking for that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Mahrez or Martial to break at speed or Ziyech to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Werner giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Ziyech off, Soumare on.
80 mins: Pjanic off, Bailly on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.
If drawing:
70 mins: Ziyech off, D.Silva on. We bring on the little magician to unpick the lock.
80 mins: Mahrez off, Bailey on. Fresh legs and extra energy.
If losing:
65 mins: Pjanic off, D.Silva on.
75 mins: Hummels off, L.Bailey on. 3-4-3 all out attack
---------------------- Gulácsi -----------------------
Mukiele ---- Manolas ---- Demirel ---- Chilwell
--------------- Partey ------ Witsel ----------------
F.Chiesa ------------ Reinier ------------- Sterling
---------------------- H.Kane ------------------------
Rajkovic, Kamara, Rabiot, Foden, David, Malen, E.Colley
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Reinier & Kane harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & and the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Manolas will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Demirel alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
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, I want them to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Reinier and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Reinier so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sterling and Chiesa will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and presurize them into mistakes
Captain - Partey
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Foden/Reinier
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - David for Reinier 4-4-2
75 Mins - Malen for Chilwell 3-4-3
80 Mins - E.Colley for Chiesa
Winning -
75 Mins - Rabiot for Reinier drop back 4-5-1
80 Mins - J.David for Kane
Drawing -
70 Mins - Foden for Reinier, Malen for Chiesa
80 Mins - J.David for Kane
-------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Lenglet ------ Lucas.H
-------- F. de Jong -- Locatelli -- F.Valverde --------
Mbappe--------------- Haaland -------------- Neymar
Lafont, Tapsoba, Pellegrini, Zaniolo, M.Diaby, Greenwood, Dembele
Our game is based solely on 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, the back 4 must stay solid with de Jong, Locatelli and Valverde ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, our front 3 slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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. With a powerful midfield 3 Bissaka and Lucas are allowed to attack at will.
van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM/SS if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers/wing backs quiet, stop their attacks 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, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. Look to get in behind their attacking fullbacks. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Cb's to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
We want to dominate the centre of the pitch so we go with a powerful midfield trio, Locatelli our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Valverde & de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, they both have 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.They always make themselves available for a return pass. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, as they link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front 3 and support, at times either could be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the other CM/Locatelli/CB pass. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get around players. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, they will follow their pass and make up the numbers up front. When they dont drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, they will look to form a front four/five as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and force them back away from our area and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers/forwards are extremely quick, very hard to mark, one is extremely powerful and the other has all the tricks in the book to get them passed their markers, 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe, Neymar and Haaland will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing our midfield to pick their moment to move into space as a No.10. If our Fbs push high and wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central, this will make their defence disjointed and out of position. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, movement is essential to disrupt their defence, we must always make sure they are well supported, if they cant get the shot away they will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. They may not be the greatest defensively, all I ask is that they track their own men ie FBs, CBs if they move forward, and stop them getting too far up the pitch..
Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal, de Jong from deep
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Locatelli, we go 4-4-2, de Jong taking the DM role, Dembele/Haaland up top
75 Mins - Lucas to LCB, Bissaka off for M.Diaby, he goes to LW, Neymar to a free role/No.10
Winning -
75 Mins - Zaniolo for Haaland, Mbappe to CF, Zanilo to RW
Drawing -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Locatelli, he pushes on to a more No.10 role to support Haaland, de Jong to DM
80 Mins - Dembele forHaaland
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Matip___Lovren___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Gini
Ox______Origi________Mane
SUBS: Wilson, Lucas, Milner, Naby, Minamino, Chesney, Shaqiri
Captain: Hendo
Penalties: Mane
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch to deal with their fearsome front three. 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 DM will use his energy to overpower their midfield and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards. The left centre mid will add a bit of finesse, with his ability on the ball and eye for threading balls through to 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 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 midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Milner comes on for Gini, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Minamino comes on for Firmino, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Naby comes on for Hendo to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Shaqiri comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
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Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Built on a strong defence we look to attack down the wings and through Isco, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aguero in the box.
We go with a double pivot in front of the back four providing a mix of a strong dm and an energetic box to box to link the defence and attack. This duo coupled with wide players with a high work rate offer the defensive strength in midfield to give Isco freedom in attack. The energy Mount offers will also be important as he gets forward to support attacks.
When we defend, we get the wingers back to defend in a 4411 formation. Isco tasked with simply sitting on the opposition dm, we don’t expect much from him defensively so keep it simple.
Aguero up top plays his natural game. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to get down the wings to create for Aguero. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aguero.
———————— Handanovic
K.Walker — de Vrij — Koulibaly — Emerson
———————— Ndidi — Mount
Bergwijn ————— Isco ————— Son.H-M
—————————— Aguero
Subs. Ramsdale, Holgate, Zinchenko, Brandt, Sabitzer, Jota, Thuram
Defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball in our half. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be Aguero and Isco or a wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Isco then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Mount to press the pay, leaving Ndidi in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
de Vrij the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Koulibaly m intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Brandt for Isco more energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Thuram for Aguero. Power and pace up top to hold up the ball, bully their tired defenders and use pace to get behind.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Sabitzer for Bergwijn.. high energy and stronger defensive RW
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco. High energy in midfield to push the tempo of our play up.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Brandt for Ndidi. More control in midfield. With a high energy trio take away need for our and our dm.
If drawing/losing after 80 mins bring on Thuram for Bergwijn. Fresh pace, power, and strong in the air.
PORTSMOUTH vs man city
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Ramos-----------Romagnoli----------Tagliafico
---------------------Kante---------------Ndombele---------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Fekir ----------------------------------------
Adama-------------------- Ronaldo ------------------------------Sane
Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Guendouzi, Harit, Perez, James, Abraham
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to hit the oppo on the counter attack using the pace of our wingers. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Romagnoli and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Romagnoli will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Aarons + Tagliafico
Aarons and Tagliafico will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Make overlapping runs when possible and try and play through balls for Sane/Adama to run into down the line. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mids
Kante + Ndombele
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to one if our forward players.
Ndombele will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
Fekir
Fekir will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Ronaldo up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Wingers
Adama + Sane
These 2 will be the focal point of our attacking play. Use your pace to take the opponent fb on and get to the byline and whip in some balls for Ronaldo to smash home. I want these 2 to stay near the halfway line when not in possession of the ball and be ready for the opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Time your runs and if you beat the offside trap and are through on goal use your calmness in front of goal to bury the ball home. Use our fullbacks for support in attacking plays either as them acting as decoys when they make overlapping runs for you to dribble infield and get into the oppo box do you can cause havoc to their defence.
Strikers
Ronaldo
Ronaldo will always stay in strike. No need to track back I want you to conserve your energy and concentrate on scoring goals. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play even more deep and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Fekir and put on Tanganga in CB to give the defence even more protection. Guendouzi on for Ndombele aswell.
-------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons-----Ramos-----Romagnoli----Tanganga----Tagliafico
---------------------Guendouzi--------Kante---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------------------Sane
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to below. Take off Ndombele and put on Abraham in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Romagnoli-------Ramos--------Tagliafico
---------------------------------------Kante----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------- Fekir ------------------------------
Adama-----------Abraham------------CR7-----------------Sane
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Harit on for Fekir
Guendouzi on for Ndombele
James on for Adama
Fresh legs.
SOTON VS Norwich
----------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola------Upamecano--------Dias----------Shaw
-------------------------Aouar---------McTominay--------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, SMS, Lo Celso, Ødegaard, Kulusevski, Kluivert, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. 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. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Kabak 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. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside McTominay in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. 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. Odriozola and Shaw 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 Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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.
Attack Mid
Felix
Felix will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Aouar and SMS for Felix to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------------McTom---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------SMS-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Sarr in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Ødegaard on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Sarr------Upam------Kabak--------Shaw
-----------------------------SMS--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Odegaard---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
Lo Celso on for McTominay
Ødegaard on for Felix
Fresh legs to bring on.
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Europa League Round 4
Captain : Gabriel
Vice Captain : Blanco
----------------Blanco
Emerson--Torres--Gabriel----Lodi
------------Roca----Guimarães
-------------------Igor
Antony----------------------------Pepê
----------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Iago, Murilo, Fernandes, Tetê, Kaio, Cunha
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Blanco 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: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Pepê 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 Igor, Guimarães and Vinícius in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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.
Vinícius starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Igor, Pepê or Antony with Torres, Gabriel, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Murilo for Torres, Fernandes for Roca and Cunha for Vinícius.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Cunha and Antony with Kaio. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------Roca
Kaio------Igor-----Pepê
----------Cunha -----Vinícius
Wolves v NORWICH CITY
Woodman
Vrsaljko, Rodon, Salisu, Grimaldo
Ampadu, Gueye
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Suárez
Subs: Justin, Ajer, Eiting, Billing, Taabouni, Cantwell, Idah
Captain: Bale
Free Kicks: Bale
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Rodon and Mohammed Salisu paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ampadu 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 Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Ampadu or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Marco Reus, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bale, Brooks & Reus to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Justin on for Vrsaljko and Cantwell on for Reus
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
Attacking 4-3-3
We setup with a strong side full of pace in attack to stretch Pompey and a midfield with the ability to control possession. We play with a fluid front three, looking to overload the Pompey defence getting in behind their defence and targeting getting inside the fbs and outside the cbs. The fbs offer width on the overlap.
We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, with high pressing when we don’t have the ball. As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the dm role, Thiago and Bernardo offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly all 3 are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Bernardo will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Pompey and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. In the final third Sterling & Jesus have freedom to drift inside on the inside of the fb (between cb & fb) to get in behind. Dybala gives us an all round striker with the pace to get in behind but also play as a false 9, naturally liking to drop to deeper areas and get involved in play between the lines. This fluid movement of the front three will be key to finding space in dangerous positions on the ball in attack.
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 and high tempo play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
Rodri and Thiago collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago and Bernardo on the ball and get pushing up the pitch. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the mid and attacking trios, with a fb always overlapping.
------------——--- Ter Stegen
Carvajal - Marquinhos - Laporte - Alaba
---------———-- Rodri —-- Thiago
------------————- Bernardo
-— Sterling -------———--—----- G.Jesus —
—————————-- P.Dybala
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Neves, Arthur, Reinier, Zaha, Lautaro
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 Dybala gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Rodri 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. Rodri 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 Bernardo presses the space next to and in front of Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Thiago and Bernardo dictating the play. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Pompey. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.
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, Silva 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Dybala. Fresh pace and power against tired defended.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Arthur and Zaha for Bernardo and Jesus. Fresh energy in Cm and fresh pace out wide. Sterling left, keep the shape.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Jesus. 4-4-2 Bernardo and Sterling wide and Dybala playing off Lautaro
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Zaha for Bernardo.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Arthur for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins. 4-2-2-2. Sterling left. Bernardo right. Jesus and Dybala up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Carvajal. 3-2-3-2. Thiago and Rodri in front of back 3. Attacking mid trio of Bernardo, Dybala, Sterling. Jesus and Lautaro up top gung ho.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Zaha for Bernardo.
----------------------- Neuer ----------------------
Mukiele ---- Rudiger ---- Manolas ---- Wijndal
--------------- Witsel ------ Partey ---------------
Bergwijn ----------- Pogba ----------- Ocampos
---------------------- H.Kane ----------------------
Rajkovic, O'Connell, Barella, Malen, David, Nkunku, Rabiot
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Pogba & Kane harassing their back line and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Wijndal have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Manolas will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Rudiger alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Wingers and Pogba are going to cause problems out wide and in the final third, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back/DM/Cbs and get into the danger area, I want the wingersa to drive on the outside and play as natural wingers not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Pogba and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Pogba so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Bergwijn and Ocampos will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle. Pogba I want to control the game high up the pitch and bring the other three into the game.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,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 - Rudiger
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Witsel, he goes up top and Pogba in beside Partey 4-4-2
75 Mins - Malen for Bergwijn 4-2-4
Drawing -
65 Mins - Barella for Witsel
75 Mins - J.David for Pogba, Malen for Bergwijn
Winning -
70 Mins - Pogba drop back to left of 3 man midfield, Barella for Witsel for fresh legs
80 Mins - J. David for Kane
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Built on a strong defence we look to attack down the wings and through Isco, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aguero in the box.
We go with a double pivot in front of the back four providing a mix of a strong dm and an energetic box to box to link the defence and attack. This duo coupled with wide players with a high work rate offer the defensive strength in midfield to give Isco freedom in attack.
When we defend, we get the wingers back to defend in a 4411 formation. Isco tasked with simply sitting on the opposition dm, we don’t expect much from him defensively so keep it simple.
Aguero up top plays his natural game. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to get down the wings to create for Aguero. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aguero.
————————- Handanovic
K.Walker — de Vrij — Koulibaly — Emerson
———————— Ndidi — Ndombele
Chiesa ——————- Isco ————— Son.H-M
—————————— Aguero
Subs. Ramsdale, Holgate, Tolisso, Brozovic, Sabitzer, Jota, Kean
Defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball in our half. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be Aguero and Isco or a wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Isco then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Ndombele to press the pay, leaving Ndidi in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
de Vrij the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Koulibaly m intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco more energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Jota for Chiesa. pace up top to hold up the ball, bully their tired defenders and use pace to get behind.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Brozovic for Ndombele.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco. High energy in midfield to push the tempo of our play up.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Brozovic for Ndidi. More control in midfield. With a high energy trio take away need for our and our dm.
If drawing/losing after 80 mins bring on Jota for Chiesa. Fresh pace, power, and strong in the air.
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Tactics
Page 15 of 70
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20
posted on 31/5/20
------------------ Courtois ------------------
Kehrer --- Bonucci --- T.Silva -- Marcelo
------------------ Busquets -----------------
--------- De Bruyne --- Eriksen -----------
Sancho ------ Lewandowski ----- Hazard
Subs:
Lunin, Konate, R.Sanches, Bale, Asensio, Cavani, Icardi
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: De Bruyne/Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Wingers
Tactics:
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as we look to play on the front foot and feel this with match up well with our opponents as we look to play at speed. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.
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 limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. Bonucci be the leader and pick up their main striker. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. T.Silva will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. Two of the best readers of the game and two fantastic leaders we look to shut down their attack and not give them an inch.
Our fullbacks will look to sit in, forming a solid defensive unit and giving the opposition no space to operate. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's.
Offensively both Kehrer and Marcelo have license to push forward, overlapping our wingers we look to outnumber them on the flanks, creating 2 v 1 scenarios which will give us opportunities to get in behind with both FB’s having great quality in the final third.
Midfield:
We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Busquets will be our holding player in the middle and operate as a DM. A fantastic reading of the game he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.
De Bruyne and Eriksen will be our magic men in the middle, acting as our creators in chief we look to get them on the ball as much as possible. With Busquets acting as an anchor they have freedom to get forward and pick apart the opposition. Short sharp passing will pull the opposition apart with both players capable of playing that killer pass in the final third. We want them to look for our forwards early, pinging the ball in behind for our front three to get onto as we look to hit them on the break.
Sancho & Hazard will also look drift in between the lines giving us an extra link up and creating a numerical advantage in midfield. Our gameplan is based on creating an overload in key areas, forcing the opposition to abandon their shape as they desperately scamper to cover the free man however in doing so they will be pulled out of shape and leaving gaps in their defence for our attackers to exploit.
Forwards:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, dangermen Sancho and Hazard flanking the predator Lewandowski in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Sanches on. Fresh legs as we keep our energy levels high.
80 mins: Sancho off, Konate on. Shut up shop time as we move to a compact 5-4-1 formation as we see the game out to take the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Sancho off, Asensio on. Fresh legs and pace as we look to exploit a tiring defence.
85 mins: Eriksen off, Icardi on. 4-2-2-2 with Lewandowski & Icardi up top and Asensio & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Asensio on. Hazard moves to AM creating an attacker trio alongside Sancho and Asensio with KDB pulling the strings behind.
80 mins: Kehrer off, Icardi on. We bring on an additional forward as we turn the screw and go for goals.
posted on 31/5/20
-------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Lenglet ------ Lucas.H
------- F. de Jong -- Bentancur -- F.Valverde -------
Mbappe -------------- Haaland -------------- M.Diaby
Lafont, Tapsoba, Locatelli, Pellegrini, Ferran, Greenwood, Dembele
Our game is based solely on 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, the back 4 must stay solid with de Jong, Bentancur and Valverde ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, our front 3 slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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. With a powerful midfield 3 Bissaka and Lucas are allowed to attack at will.
van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM/SS if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers/wing backs quiet, stop their attacks 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, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. Look to get in behind their attacking fullbacks. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Diaby to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Cb's to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Bentancursitting back.
Bentancur our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Valverde & de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, they both have 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.They always make themselves available for a return pass. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, as they link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front 3 and support, at times either could be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the other CM/Bentancur/CB pass. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get around players. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, they will follow their pass and make up the numbers up front. When they dont drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, they will look to form a front four/five as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and force them back away from our area and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers/forwards are extremely quick, very hard to mark, one is extremely powerful and the other has all the tricks in the book to get them passed their markers, 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe, Diaby and Haaland will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing our midfield to pick their moment to move into space as a No.10. If our Fbs push high and wide this will allow Mbappe/Diaby to go in central, this will make their defence disjointed and out of position. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, movement is essential to disrupt their defence, we must always make sure they are well supported, if they cant get the shot away they will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. They may not be the greatest defensively, all I ask is that they track their own men ie FBs, CBs if they move forward, and stop them getting too far up the pitch..
Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal, de Jong from deep
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins -
Dembele for Valverde 4-4-2
75 Mins -
Ferran for Bissaka, go to a back 3 Ferran to RW and Mbappe making a front 3, 3-4-3
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Bentancur, fresh legs and sit in
Drawing -
65 Mins - Ferran for Valverde, Go to RW, Mbappe up top 4-4-2
posted on 31/5/20
------------------------- Gulacsi -------------------------
Mukiele ------ Demirel ------ Rudiger ------ Chilwell
----------------- Partey -------- Witsel -----------------
D.Malen --------------- Foden ---------------- Sterling
------------------------- H.Kane -------------------------
Pope, Kamara, Rabiot, Nkunku, Reinier, P.Daka, L.Barry
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Foden & Kane harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & and the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Rudiger will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Demirel alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
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, I want them to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Foden and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Foden so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sterling and Malen will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,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 - Partey
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Foden/Reinier
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Nkunku for Witsel, Foden into CM, Nkunku to LM and Sterling up front with Kane
75 Mins - Louie Barry for Malen
Winning -
75 Mins - Rabiot for Foden, sit to the right of Partey who will drop back
Drawing
65 Mins - Reinier for Foden, Nkunku for Malen switch with Sterling
posted on 31/5/20
Just one change! I sold Brozovic so have replaced him in the starting eleven with Koopmeiners
NORWICH CITY v Arsenal
Woodman
Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Ajer, Grimaldo
Koopmeiners, Nández
Brooks, Fornals, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Justin, Tanganga, Rodon, Lewis, Bowen, Brewster
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Kristoffer Ajer paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Nahitan Nández as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Nández 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 Nández can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners 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 Nández's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Nández running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of David Brooks, Pablo Fornals and Todd Cantwell as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Koopmeiners or Nández, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Nández can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both David Brooks and Todd Cantwell, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Pablo Fornals our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Fornals 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Brooks, Cantwell & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Brooks, Fornals & Cantwell to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Lewis on for Grimaldo and Bowen on for Brooks
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 1/6/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 1/6/20
PORTSMOUTH vs spurs
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------Ramos---------De Vrij-----------F Mendy
---------------------------------- Diawara ------------------------------------
-----------------Kovacic ---------------- Goretzka ----------------------
--------------------------------- Bruno -----------------------------------
------------------ Ronaldo -------------- Abraham -----------------
Subs - Safonov, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Adama, Barnes, Fekir, Isak
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - BRUNO
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. De Vrij and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. De Vrij will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Castagne + Mendy
Castagne and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Isak is very good in the air. Diawara will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
Diawara
Diawara will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Kovacic/Goretzka.
Centre Mids
Goretzka + Kovacic
Kovacic will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Goretzka will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Ronaldo + Abraham
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Ronaldo to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Goretzka and put on Guendouzi in DM next to Diawara to give the defence even more protection. Adama on for Kovacic to play RM and Barnes on for Abraham to play LM.
-------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne--------Ramos-------De Vrij--------Mendy
---------------Guendouzi--------Diawara---------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------Barnes
-------------------------------Bruno---------------------------------
---------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Take off Kovacic and put on Fekir in AM. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Swap Diawara for Adama aswell.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Castagne---------De Vrij-------Ramos--------Mendy
--------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Goretzka ------- Bruno ----------------
------------------------------- Fekir ------------------------------
------ Adama-----------Abraham------------CR7 -----------------
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Fekir on for Bruno
Ndombele on for Kovacic
Adama on for Abraham
Fresh legs.
posted on 1/6/20
SOTON VS Newcastle
----------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola------Upamecano--------Dias--------Sessegnon
---------------------------Aouar---------Llorente--------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, SMS, McTominay, Olmo, Kulusevski, Kean
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. 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. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Kabak 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. Llorente will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Llorente + Aouar
Llorente 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside Llorente in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. 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. Odriozola and Sessegnon 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 Richarlison to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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.
Attack Mid
Felix
Felix will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Aouar and SMS for Felix to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------------Llorente---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------SMS-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Sarr in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Kulusevski on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Sarr------Upam------Kabak--------Sessegnon
-----------------------------SMS--------Llorente---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Kulusevski---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
SMS on for Llorente
Olmo on for Felix
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 2/6/20
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League Round 3
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Roca
Team:
--------------------Blanco
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Iago
---------------------Roca
---------Guimarães---Henrique
Antony----------------------------Pepê
------------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Murilo, Gabriel, Fernandes, Igor, Tetê, Cunha
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: Blanco 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: Roca 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. Guimarães and Henrique will play just in front of Roca. Guimarães will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Henrique 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 Antony and Pepê 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 Henrique, Guimarães and Vinícius 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 Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Henrique 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.
Vinícius 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: Henrique, Pepê or Antony with Felipe, Torres, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Henrique and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Vinícius
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Torres, Cunha for Vinícius and Igor for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Tetê for Guimarães and Cunha for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cunha and Tetê offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-----------Roca
Tetê---Henrique----Pepê
------Vinícius---Cunha
posted on 3/6/20
Southampton v NORWICH CITY
Ramsdale
Vrsaljko, Caleta-Car, Ajer, Grimaldo
Gueye, Koopmeiners
Bowen, Buendía, Cantwell
Suárez
Subs: Woodman, Justin, Tanganga, Rodon, Nández, Saint-Maximin, Vlahovic
Captain: Suárez
Free Kicks & Penalties: Koopmeiners
Our defensive unit consists of Duje Caleta-Car and Kristoffer Ajer paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners 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 Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Jarrod Bowen, Emiliano Buendía and Todd Cantwell as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Koopmeiners or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Jarrod Bowen and Todd Cantwell, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Emiliano Buendía our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Buendía 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Bowen, Cantwell & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bowen, Buendía & Cantwell to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Justin on for Vrsaljko and Saint-Maximin on for Cantwell
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 3/6/20
4-4-fûćking-2.
We go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back, the formation gives us two solid lines of defence that will remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a tight unit. Importantly the formation allows us to play two forwards and two wide players for defence and attack on each side. We look to get at them down the wings taking advantage of the space behind their wide forwards.
The team selected importantly has the ability to play at a high tempo in attack and defence, starting with the front two. We expect the opposition will have more of the ball, however with two strong lines of defence we will keep them in areas they can’t hurt us.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace down the wings. We seek to hit the opposition on the counter. Old fashioned midfield pairing, where one goes and one sits. Not so old school small man small man combo up top gives us two forwards who can get involved in play. Although small both have the typical Argentine strength on the ball and fantastic dribbling and link up play to hold up the ball and get involved.
Laimer comes in as the workhorse in midfield known for his fantastic pressing, he and Pogba form a powerful and physically imposing midfield duo. His extremely high work rate, pressing and strong defensive covering gives Pogba more freedom to attack. Pogba is expected to play in a similar role as he has done for France, starting attacks from deep and then getting forward to join the attack from those deep positions.
We go with an unorthodox formation the opposition wont be expecting, drawing inspiration from the Leicester side that stunned and Simeone’s successful sides. With a narrow compact 4-4-1-1 defensive formation, we take away the ability of their wide forwards to find the ball in advanced area, force them back. Importantly both wide midfielders are strong defensively which is key to the formation working against their strong attacking wide players. Behind these wide players is where we see the space to attack, as they typically play two or even three deep cms.
We will direct our attacks down the wings and our play will be direct. Both full backs will have freedom to attack, one bombing down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers and attacking Cm with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly. Theo comes in for his paces, ability to come inside and get goals and his strong defensive ability.
We are happy to go long we have great strength in midfield with Pogba, Laimer and Theo all strong in the air.
Let’s fûćking kill em
————————————- Neuer
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte — Alaba
Bernardo.S —- Laimer —— Pogba —- Theo.H
———————— P.Dybala —— Lautaro
Subs. Ter Stegen, Militao, Neves, Thiago, Dembele, Gnabry, Lukaku
Burnley school of 4-4-2 defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Lautaro and Dybala drop in between the oppositions defenders and midfielders in front of the cms one on each sid. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be one forward and one wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Dybala then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Laimer to press the pay, leaving Pogba, Dybala and the wide midfielder covering space in the middle. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
Laporte the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Marquinhos intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push them out wide.
Attack
Once we win the ball, we attack from a deep position and so the opposition have likely committed men forward leaving space behind. The pace of our wide men, and Cm duo then comes into play as we seek to get the ball forward to our front two and support them quickly. We are happy to go long. We have the players strong in the air in midfield to win knock ins and have pace up top to go beyond.
We attack down the wings primarily. We get forward and play low crosses into feet.
If the counter fails, we then have players that can build an attack and retain possession in those high areas. Dybala can drop into the holes behind Lautaro, Pogba getting forward, with Silva, Carvajal, Theo, Alaba all able to create from nothing. They will then seek to buil attacks down the wings in triangles, Dybala the two wide players and Pogba seeking to work together to pull the opposition in different directions to create space.
When we attack we push forward as a team as the defence push up. We have pace at the back to guard against counter attacks, and in Neuer have the best and original sweeper keeper.
Long live 4-4-2.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Gnabry for Dybala. More pace in attack to stretch Chelsea and get at their tired defenders.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Thiago for Lautaro. Fresh energy in Cm. 4-5-1.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Dembele for Theo. Pace on to keep our energy levels high. Keep defence consistent.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Dembele for Theo and Gnabry for Dybala. Pace out wide and up top to get at tired legs.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Thiago for Pogba. Fresh legs in Cm.
If losing after 60 mins, bring on Gnabry for Theo. 4-2-3-1. Gnabry wide left, Silva wide right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Dembele for Bernardo. Pace out wide.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Lukaku for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Alaba left centre back. Dybala AM.
posted on 4/6/20
------------------ Courtois -------------------
Bellerin -- De Ligt --- Bonucci -- Marcelo
---------- Busquets --- Casemiro ----------
----- Sancho ---- Eriksen ---- Hazard -----
---------------- Lewandowski ---------------
Subs:
Lunin, Konate, R.Sanches, Cuisance, Stengs, Cavani, Icardi
Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: Hazard
Penalties: Lewandowski
Corners: Wingers
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 to progress. We go with Hazard, Sancho & Eriksen behind Lewandowski, offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for their defence. We feel that this front four combined pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 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.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with our DM’s drifting across to offer additional support. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both Bellerin and Marcelo have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
We go with a powerhouse central midfield duo of Busquets and Casemiro. Together they will look to control the midfield, looking to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Busquets will play the holding role. A top class DM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the powerhouse that is Casemiro. Another solid defensive enforcer we give him the freedom to play a box to box role, allowing him to power forward in possession and rampage through the opposition midfield with his all action style.
Completing our midfield we have the playmaker Eriksen. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Lewandowski ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, creative geniuses Sancho and Hazard flanking the predator Lewandowski in the middle. In one on one situations Sancho and Hazard are devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lewandowski plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lewandowski could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Eriksen off, Sanches on. Fresh legs in the middle.
80 mins: Sancho off, Konate on. Shut up shop time as we move to 5-4-1 as we see out the 3 points.
If drawing:
70 mins: Busquets off, Icardi on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with Lewandowski & Icardi up top and Sancho & Hazard on the flanks. Goals.
If losing:
60 mins: Busquets off. Icardi on.
70 mins: Bellerin off, Cavani on. All out attack as we look to turn the game around.
posted on 4/6/20
------------------ De Gea -----------------
Pavard -- Skriniar -- Hummels - Mendy
----------- Torreira -- Pjanic ------------
R.Mahrez ----- H.Ziyech ----- A.Martial
----------------- T.Werner ----------------
Subs:
Muric, Bailly, Soumare, D.Silva, B.Diaz, L.Bailey, Leao
We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid 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 with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back. Ziyech will look to dictate the play and always looking for that killer ball into our forwards.
Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Mahrez or Martial to break at speed or Ziyech to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Werner giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Ziyech off, Soumare on.
80 mins: Pjanic off, Bailly on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.
If drawing:
70 mins: Ziyech off, D.Silva on. We bring on the little magician to unpick the lock.
80 mins: Mahrez off, Bailey on. Fresh legs and extra energy.
If losing:
65 mins: Pjanic off, D.Silva on.
75 mins: Hummels off, L.Bailey on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 4/6/20
---------------------- Gulácsi -----------------------
Mukiele ---- Manolas ---- Demirel ---- Chilwell
--------------- Partey ------ Witsel ----------------
F.Chiesa ------------ Reinier ------------- Sterling
---------------------- H.Kane ------------------------
Rajkovic, Kamara, Rabiot, Foden, David, Malen, E.Colley
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Reinier & Kane harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & and the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Manolas will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Demirel alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
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, I want them to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Reinier and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Reinier so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sterling and Chiesa will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and presurize them into mistakes
Captain - Partey
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Foden/Reinier
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - David for Reinier 4-4-2
75 Mins - Malen for Chilwell 3-4-3
80 Mins - E.Colley for Chiesa
Winning -
75 Mins - Rabiot for Reinier drop back 4-5-1
80 Mins - J.David for Kane
Drawing -
70 Mins - Foden for Reinier, Malen for Chiesa
80 Mins - J.David for Kane
posted on 4/6/20
-------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Bissaka ------ van Dijk ------ Lenglet ------ Lucas.H
-------- F. de Jong -- Locatelli -- F.Valverde --------
Mbappe--------------- Haaland -------------- Neymar
Lafont, Tapsoba, Pellegrini, Zaniolo, M.Diaby, Greenwood, Dembele
Our game is based solely on 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, the back 4 must stay solid with de Jong, Locatelli and Valverde ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, our front 3 slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, 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. With a powerful midfield 3 Bissaka and Lucas are allowed to attack at will.
van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM/SS if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, 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, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers/wing backs quiet, stop their attacks 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, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. Look to get in behind their attacking fullbacks. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Cb's to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
We want to dominate the centre of the pitch so we go with a powerful midfield trio, Locatelli our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, 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 spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, 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. Valverde & de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, they both have 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.They always make themselves available for a return pass. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, as they link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front 3 and support, at times either could be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the other CM/Locatelli/CB pass. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get around players. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, they will follow their pass and make up the numbers up front. When they dont drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, they will look to form a front four/five as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and force them back away from our area and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers/forwards are extremely quick, very hard to mark, one is extremely powerful and the other has all the tricks in the book to get them passed their markers, 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 our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe, Neymar and Haaland will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing our midfield to pick their moment to move into space as a No.10. If our Fbs push high and wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central, this will make their defence disjointed and out of position. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, movement is essential to disrupt their defence, we must always make sure they are well supported, if they cant get the shot away they will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. They may not be the greatest defensively, all I ask is that they track their own men ie FBs, CBs if they move forward, and stop them getting too far up the pitch..
Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe for goal, de Jong from deep
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Locatelli, we go 4-4-2, de Jong taking the DM role, Dembele/Haaland up top
75 Mins - Lucas to LCB, Bissaka off for M.Diaby, he goes to LW, Neymar to a free role/No.10
Winning -
75 Mins - Zaniolo for Haaland, Mbappe to CF, Zanilo to RW
Drawing -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Locatelli, he pushes on to a more No.10 role to support Haaland, de Jong to DM
80 Mins - Dembele forHaaland
posted on 8/6/20
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Matip___Lovren___Robbo
____________Fabinho
________Hendo___Gini
Ox______Origi________Mane
SUBS: Wilson, Lucas, Milner, Naby, Minamino, Chesney, Shaqiri
Captain: Hendo
Penalties: Mane
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch to deal with their fearsome front three. 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 DM will use his energy to overpower their midfield and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards. The left centre mid will add a bit of finesse, with his ability on the ball and eye for threading balls through to 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 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 midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Milner comes on for Gini, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Milner will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Minamino comes on for Firmino, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Naby comes on for Hendo to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Shaqiri comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
posted on 8/6/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 8/6/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 8/6/20
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Built on a strong defence we look to attack down the wings and through Isco, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aguero in the box.
We go with a double pivot in front of the back four providing a mix of a strong dm and an energetic box to box to link the defence and attack. This duo coupled with wide players with a high work rate offer the defensive strength in midfield to give Isco freedom in attack. The energy Mount offers will also be important as he gets forward to support attacks.
When we defend, we get the wingers back to defend in a 4411 formation. Isco tasked with simply sitting on the opposition dm, we don’t expect much from him defensively so keep it simple.
Aguero up top plays his natural game. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to get down the wings to create for Aguero. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aguero.
———————— Handanovic
K.Walker — de Vrij — Koulibaly — Emerson
———————— Ndidi — Mount
Bergwijn ————— Isco ————— Son.H-M
—————————— Aguero
Subs. Ramsdale, Holgate, Zinchenko, Brandt, Sabitzer, Jota, Thuram
Defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball in our half. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be Aguero and Isco or a wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Isco then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Mount to press the pay, leaving Ndidi in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
de Vrij the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Koulibaly m intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Brandt for Isco more energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Thuram for Aguero. Power and pace up top to hold up the ball, bully their tired defenders and use pace to get behind.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Sabitzer for Bergwijn.. high energy and stronger defensive RW
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco. High energy in midfield to push the tempo of our play up.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Brandt for Ndidi. More control in midfield. With a high energy trio take away need for our and our dm.
If drawing/losing after 80 mins bring on Thuram for Bergwijn. Fresh pace, power, and strong in the air.
posted on 8/6/20
PORTSMOUTH vs man city
-----------------------------------Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Ramos-----------Romagnoli----------Tagliafico
---------------------Kante---------------Ndombele---------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Fekir ----------------------------------------
Adama-------------------- Ronaldo ------------------------------Sane
Subs - Safonov, Tanganga, Guendouzi, Harit, Perez, James, Abraham
CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - SANE
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to hit the oppo on the counter attack using the pace of our wingers. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Nubel in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Romagnoli and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Romagnoli will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Aarons + Tagliafico
Aarons and Tagliafico will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Make overlapping runs when possible and try and play through balls for Sane/Adama to run into down the line. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mids
Kante + Ndombele
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to one if our forward players.
Ndombele will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
Fekir
Fekir will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Ronaldo up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Wingers
Adama + Sane
These 2 will be the focal point of our attacking play. Use your pace to take the opponent fb on and get to the byline and whip in some balls for Ronaldo to smash home. I want these 2 to stay near the halfway line when not in possession of the ball and be ready for the opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Time your runs and if you beat the offside trap and are through on goal use your calmness in front of goal to bury the ball home. Use our fullbacks for support in attacking plays either as them acting as decoys when they make overlapping runs for you to dribble infield and get into the oppo box do you can cause havoc to their defence.
Strikers
Ronaldo
Ronaldo will always stay in strike. No need to track back I want you to conserve your energy and concentrate on scoring goals. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play even more deep and hit the oppo on the counter. No need to send a lot of bodies forward.
Take off Fekir and put on Tanganga in CB to give the defence even more protection. Guendouzi on for Ndombele aswell.
-------------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons-----Ramos-----Romagnoli----Tanganga----Tagliafico
---------------------Guendouzi--------Kante---------------------
Adama------------------------------------------------------------Sane
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------
IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to below. Take off Ndombele and put on Abraham in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
----------------------------- Nubel ---------------------------
Aarons---------Romagnoli-------Ramos--------Tagliafico
---------------------------------------Kante----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------- Fekir ------------------------------
Adama-----------Abraham------------CR7-----------------Sane
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Harit on for Fekir
Guendouzi on for Ndombele
James on for Adama
Fresh legs.
posted on 8/6/20
SOTON VS Norwich
----------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola------Upamecano--------Dias----------Shaw
-------------------------Aouar---------McTominay--------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulisic---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
--------------------------------------Felix--------------------------------
-----------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs - M Sarr, SMS, Lo Celso, Ødegaard, Kulusevski, Kluivert, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - PULISIC
FK'S - PULISIC
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. 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. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Kabak 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. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside McTominay in the middle and protect the defence.
Wingers
Pulisic + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Pulisic will be looking to get to the byline and whip in balls into the box. 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. Odriozola and Shaw 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 Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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.
Attack Mid
Felix
Felix will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace 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 use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kulusevski for Aouar and SMS for Felix to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Shaw
---------------------------------------McTom---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kulusevski-----------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------SMS-------------------------------
-------------------------Rashford-----------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Felix and put on Sarr in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Ødegaard on for Pulisic and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.
----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Sarr------Upam------Kabak--------Shaw
-----------------------------SMS--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Odegaard---------------------------------------Richarlison-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Rashford-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Pulisic
Lo Celso on for McTominay
Ødegaard on for Felix
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 9/6/20
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Europa League Round 4
Captain : Gabriel
Vice Captain : Blanco
----------------Blanco
Emerson--Torres--Gabriel----Lodi
------------Roca----Guimarães
-------------------Igor
Antony----------------------------Pepê
----------------Vinícius
SUBS: Ivan, Iago, Murilo, Fernandes, Tetê, Kaio, Cunha
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Blanco 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: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Roca). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Pepê 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 Igor, Guimarães and Vinícius in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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.
Vinícius starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Igor, Pepê or Antony with Torres, Gabriel, Roca and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Pepê (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Murilo for Torres, Fernandes for Roca and Cunha for Vinícius.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Cunha and Antony with Kaio. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------Roca
Kaio------Igor-----Pepê
----------Cunha -----Vinícius
posted on 10/6/20
Wolves v NORWICH CITY
Woodman
Vrsaljko, Rodon, Salisu, Grimaldo
Ampadu, Gueye
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Suárez
Subs: Justin, Ajer, Eiting, Billing, Taabouni, Cantwell, Idah
Captain: Bale
Free Kicks: Bale
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Joe Rodon and Mohammed Salisu paired up at centre-back, Sime Vrsaljko at right-back and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ampadu 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 Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez 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 Ampadu or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Vrsaljko and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Marco Reus, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks 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 with his one-touch passing and quick flicks, and who will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bale, Brooks & Reus to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suarez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Justin on for Vrsaljko and Cantwell on for Reus
Double substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 13/6/20
Attacking 4-3-3
We setup with a strong side full of pace in attack to stretch Pompey and a midfield with the ability to control possession. We play with a fluid front three, looking to overload the Pompey defence getting in behind their defence and targeting getting inside the fbs and outside the cbs. The fbs offer width on the overlap.
We look to play a high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, with high pressing when we don’t have the ball. As you'd expect, possession builds from the back with the defence, and our midfield trio controlling possession. Rodri dictating the tempo of our play in the dm role, Thiago and Bernardo offering the creativity and ability on the ball to dominate possession and create. Importantly all 3 are fantastic on the ball, allowing us to play fast flowing attacking football.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free. In midfield, Rodri reading the play looking to win the ball back as the dm always the deepest of the trio, Thiago and Bernardo will offer inteligence defensively, with the pressing in high areas important. Win the ball back quickly before they can get anywhere.
The defence will be patient on the ball, playing a reasonably high line, with good pace at the back and energy in front we look to defend high up the park. This allows us to take the game to Pompey and aids distribution out from the back line.
Control possession and find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space as we push forward. Creating space for the cms to push into and for the front three to exploit. In the final third Sterling & Jesus have freedom to drift inside on the inside of the fb (between cb & fb) to get in behind. Dybala gives us an all round striker with the pace to get in behind but also play as a false 9, naturally liking to drop to deeper areas and get involved in play between the lines. This fluid movement of the front three will be key to finding space in dangerous positions on the ball in attack.
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 and high tempo play. Predominantly short passing on the deck, but varying our play when a counter is on.
Rodri and Thiago collecting the ball and offering the link between defence and attack, get Thiago and Bernardo on the ball and get pushing up the pitch. But we also have great pace, so mix it up going through or over the top to expose the space behind them. Quick one twos between the mid and attacking trios, with a fb always overlapping.
------------——--- Ter Stegen
Carvajal - Marquinhos - Laporte - Alaba
---------———-- Rodri —-- Thiago
------------————- Bernardo
-— Sterling -------———--—----- G.Jesus —
—————————-- P.Dybala
Subs. Schmeichel, Militao, Neves, Arthur, Reinier, Zaha, Lautaro
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 Dybala gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers will track any forward runs made by their fbs, and Rodri 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. Rodri 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 Bernardo presses the space next to and in front of Rodri. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack.
Get the ball out wide, Rodri spreading the play, Thiago and Bernardo dictating the play. The trio's movement will be key in opening up the opposition defence.
In attack we play with width to stretch the game and open up Pompey. Get the fbs attacking. One bombing forward the other fb, remains a little more reserved offering option to go back and switch play.
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, Silva 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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Dybala. Fresh pace and power against tired defended.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Arthur and Zaha for Bernardo and Jesus. Fresh energy in Cm and fresh pace out wide. Sterling left, keep the shape.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Jesus. 4-4-2 Bernardo and Sterling wide and Dybala playing off Lautaro
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Zaha for Bernardo.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Arthur for Rodri.
If losing after 60 mins. 4-2-2-2. Sterling left. Bernardo right. Jesus and Dybala up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Carvajal. 3-2-3-2. Thiago and Rodri in front of back 3. Attacking mid trio of Bernardo, Dybala, Sterling. Jesus and Lautaro up top gung ho.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Zaha for Bernardo.
posted on 14/6/20
----------------------- Neuer ----------------------
Mukiele ---- Rudiger ---- Manolas ---- Wijndal
--------------- Witsel ------ Partey ---------------
Bergwijn ----------- Pogba ----------- Ocampos
---------------------- H.Kane ----------------------
Rajkovic, O'Connell, Barella, Malen, David, Nkunku, Rabiot
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Pogba & Kane harassing their back line and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Witsel and Partey are our commanders in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Mukiele and Wijndal have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield 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.. Manolas will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Rudiger alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both 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 cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. 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..
Partey's primary role in front of the defence 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, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so 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.
Witsel and has responsibility throughout the pitch, 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 and he does a lot. 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, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Wingers and Pogba are going to cause problems out wide and in the final third, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back/DM/Cbs and get into the danger area, I want the wingersa to drive on the outside and play as natural wingers not an inside forward unless supported by fullbacks. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using Pogba and Kane to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forwards to aim for in Kane & Pogba so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack. We go with a front two today, we need goals these two will get plenty chances, however they must put away. I want them to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that they can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker 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. They can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Bergwijn and Ocampos will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves. When we defend I want one dropping back to take care of the DM and make an extra man in there so we are not over powered in the middle. Pogba I want to control the game high up the pitch and bring the other three into the game.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,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 - Rudiger
Pens - Kane
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Witsel, he goes up top and Pogba in beside Partey 4-4-2
75 Mins - Malen for Bergwijn 4-2-4
Drawing -
65 Mins - Barella for Witsel
75 Mins - J.David for Pogba, Malen for Bergwijn
Winning -
70 Mins - Pogba drop back to left of 3 man midfield, Barella for Witsel for fresh legs
80 Mins - J. David for Kane
posted on 14/6/20
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Built on a strong defence we look to attack down the wings and through Isco, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for Isco in the middle to pull the strings, and for Aguero in the box.
We go with a double pivot in front of the back four providing a mix of a strong dm and an energetic box to box to link the defence and attack. This duo coupled with wide players with a high work rate offer the defensive strength in midfield to give Isco freedom in attack.
When we defend, we get the wingers back to defend in a 4411 formation. Isco tasked with simply sitting on the opposition dm, we don’t expect much from him defensively so keep it simple.
Aguero up top plays his natural game. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to get down the wings to create for Aguero. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get Isco out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Aguero.
————————- Handanovic
K.Walker — de Vrij — Koulibaly — Emerson
———————— Ndidi — Ndombele
Chiesa ——————- Isco ————— Son.H-M
—————————— Aguero
Subs. Ramsdale, Holgate, Tolisso, Brozovic, Sabitzer, Jota, Kean
Defence
As a team we take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball in our half. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball in advanced areas. This will usually be Aguero and Isco or a wide midfielder behind coming inside in front of the Cm.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Isco then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.
The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing Ndombele to press the pay, leaving Ndidi in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
de Vrij the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Koulibaly m intelligence and pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco more energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Jota for Chiesa. pace up top to hold up the ball, bully their tired defenders and use pace to get behind.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Brozovic for Ndombele.
If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Sabitzer for Isco. High energy in midfield to push the tempo of our play up.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Brozovic for Ndidi. More control in midfield. With a high energy trio take away need for our and our dm.
If drawing/losing after 80 mins bring on Jota for Chiesa. Fresh pace, power, and strong in the air.
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