---------------Wellenruether--------------

Padoin---Koulibaly----Jagielka---Hector

-------Pogba-----Gomes-----Rabiot------

Santiago----------Kane----------Berahino

B.Mensah, Barkley, El Ghazi, Mastour, R.Amaral


Jagielka will be the leader at the back, he sits spare whilst Koulibaly picks up the CF, Jagielka will lead him through the game, in fact the whole back 4 will go by Jagielka's instructions. While Kouliably is picking up the CF, Jagielka, takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Kouliably or indeed any other attcaker that comes through. Koulibaly needs to be strong and mature in this role, he cannot be bullied by the CF, although he is a quick, powerful boy. Also by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where Jagileka helps him, The two will form a powerful partnership with no messing. Koulibaly attacks all high balls and clears any danger from ball whipped in.

Padoin and Jonas Hector are allowed to attack, but I do stress, one goes at a time whilst the other stays back to keep three at the back. When they attack I want them up supporting our attack, getting beyond the wide forwards to take on there fullabacks and get to the bye line, so Santi and Saido can cut in and support Kane. Whip in crosses for the big man to attack. When defending the lines, push the wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

With Wellenruether behind the back four this is a solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early.

Gone for the same midfield 3 which has everything, they can tackle, attack, score...Gomes central is more defensiive so he sits in and takes care of there AM, he will hound him down and makes sure he doesnt have any time on the ball to dictate play, Pogba and Rabiot either side makes sure we ar very difficult to get passed as they will be onto the other midfielders very quickly. Once we have the ball then look to drive forward, passing and moving Pogba and Rabiot will be helped by an attacking fullback as they try to get the ball upfield, use triangles with the two wide men to get beyond the defenders and into support Kane. All three are tireless runners and never give up a lost cause..

Santiago Mina and Berahino either side of Kane, there for pace, I want to push them back by playing a high line which will stop there fullbacks attacking, do this and there is no real reason for them to track back, however I do want them to stop them if they do, by playing the high line it will make there defenders wary of any counter we have. with support from either fullback I want the opposite player to drive into the box so there is at least him, Kane and Pogba/Rabiot in the box when crosses come in, one of Pogba/Rabiot sit on the edge.

Kane in for Benteke, a ghood outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support form Mina and Berahino this is a very quick front three always driving as a trio at defenderr

Captain - Pogba
Penalties - Kane
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wide men

Subs:-
Losing
65 Mins - Barkley for Rabiot, look to play AM and support Kane
75 Mins El Ghazi for Mina, fresh quick legs v a tiring FB
85 Mins Rodrigo Amaral for Hector 3 at the back he goes up top with Kane, a natural finisher

Winning
75 Mins - Bernard Mensah for Rabiot, fresh legs good work rate in a defensive way
85 Mins - El Ghazi for Mina
Drawing
70 mins - El Ghazi for Mina & Barkely for Rabiot
80 Mins - Amaral for Kane

TAIWAN 3-4-3

3-4-3. We will look to dominate possession from the back, pushing the opposition deep and forcing them to play direct. We expect them to play with one natural forward, Chiellini picks him up, Barzagli looks to ensure he picks up the second furthers forward player when they get up the pitch. Bonucci not man marking, and looking to sweep up after the other two.

We aim to attack the weaknesses in an existing football style that everyone in the league has become so complacent with.

Huge game, we are going to keep our unbeaten run going.

———————————— Cech
———— Barzagli — Bonucci — Chiellini
Coleman —— Alonso ——— Alaba ———— Evra
—————— Fabregas ——— Coutinho
————————————Tevez

Subs: Glik, Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Son, Dost

Rigid in our positions when defending, fluid in our positions when attacking.

The formation also gives us the element of surprise. The opposition won’t be expecting this. Naturally an attacking formation, we set up to do just that. We want to force the opposition back, committing men forward and penning them in. Tevez plays as a false 9 up top, giving us more movement and proving too elusive for any opposition marking system. He likes to naturally drift wide and Coutinho likes to come inside from the sides and drop deep. The interchangeability and flexibility of our attack will be key to unlocking the opposition defence.

By giving our front three real freedom when going forward this will make their movement impossible to pick up, allowing us to always have a man in space. Alonso comes in at cm, for his tactical brain and ability to pick passes and because he is another who knows how to play in front of a 3 man defence, his strong defensive play will be important.

We would usually keep 3 at the back anyway with one wing-back going forward, so this formation gives more freedom to the midfielders and attacking players to really get in positions to hurt the opposition. Cech plays with a three man defence in front of him, his leadership will be important to ensure they are kept right. However unlike Juve we have two wider attacking midfielders as well, these top-tier players give us an extra level of insurance due to the use of four wide men, not two. Furthermore Coleman, more of a natural attacker has the extra protection in the energy of Fabregas in front of him, plus Alonso on his side.

We want to defend high up the park, looking to win it back straight away after losing it. Let the opposition keeper and centre halves have the ball, everyone else we close down. One player closes down, the rest keep their shape. When the opposition take the ball into our half we get 10 men back. Rigid in our positions defensively.

Dominating the ball from the back with 3 defenders and pushing players forward takes the responsibility off Alaba to be link our defence and attack. This should allow him to get in positions where we can get the best from him for stopping the opposition play.

With a back 3 it is vital we have defenders comfortable on the ball. Bonucci's movement is crucial to this back three as he sweeps things up.

Focus on the battle on the wings being in the opposition half, with their wide players on the defensive. Wing-backs will always stay touchline-wide to stretch the pitch out and provide an outlet.
The left-sided centre-half, Chiellni, will drift wide to create a passing lane and that encourages Evra to go forward, creating gaps for Alonso and Alaba to receive the ball into or get the ball down the wing.

With the opposition likely to play with only one natural forward, we should have two spare defenders at all times giving us more than adequate cover for their attacks. Our wings backs have the pace to get back as well. We expect the opposition to hit us on the counter with our attacking formation, ability on the ball is key in possession and mobility is key when the opposition are attacking and that is why we have opted for these 3 defenders.

With 3 central defenders providing real strength in the centre, we have two players in Alonso and Alaba who can dominate the centre. Alaba's defensive play will be important and we want him to dominate defensively the middle of the park blocking balls and breaking up play, he also brings an added goal threat from set pieces due to his aerial ability. Alonso is used to playing in front of a back three and his experience here will be key.

The opposition don’t have great power in the centre, so our partnership gives us real quality that will allow us to dominate possession with options all around them. One of Alonso / Alaba stays back in front of the defence when we attack.

One of Tevez, Fabregas or Coutinho will look to come inside occupying the space centrally between the opposition defence and midfield. The other two will look to bomb forward, with the two wing-backs providing width. When attacking we want constant movement from our front three, looking for runs in behind, looking for space to allow the diagonal ball, and drifting into space.

Set pieces will be important for us today. Fabregas’ delivery is one of the best in the world. And with the likes of Alaba, Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini offering great ability in the air we also have the quick reactions and scoring instinct of Tevez.

Subs.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Son for Coutinho. Straight replacement Son will add pace and directness to our play, counter attacking ability and lungs to track back from deep.

If drawing after 80 mins bring on Dost for Alaba. Alonso dm, Dost alongside the strikers and Fabregas cm with an attacking mentality.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Dost for Matic. Fabregas back into centre midfield with Alonso becoming the defensive midfielder, Dost goes striker along with Tevez with Coutinho behind them.

Tenby team and tactics:

-----------------------------Reina-----------------------------

Cancelo------Williams-------------Martinez-------Davies

-----------------------------San Jose----------------------------------

-------------------Jorginho-------------Ramsey---------------------

Deulofeu--------------------Pelle--------------------------Tello

Subs:
Christensen, Allen, Medran, Bamford, Ings

Captain: Williams
Freekicks: Ramsey
Pens: Ramsey
Corners: Ramsey

Game plan:
Defend for our lives and hit the opposition with pace on the counter attack.

Reina:
He’ll make himself big and strong in one on one’s with the opposition players. He’ll also palm any ball away from goal. Punch or collect any ball that comes into the box from a height. Going long to Pelle is welcomed.

Cancelo and Davies:
These two will stay in our half this week and do the defending side of the game and will dig in and stop the ball getting into our box. Tackles are welcomed by these two and they’ll make sure that Tello and Deulofeu help cover them.

Williams and Martinez:
Williams will win any ball in the air and is a physical presents in our side. Anything Williams wins in the air will be cleared away by Martinez immediately. Martinez will also follow the oppositions striker/number 10 and make it hard for that player to have a shot on goal. Tackles are welcomed. Going long to Pelle is welcomed.

San Jose:
He’ll protect the defence and be a rock in front of our back four. He’ll make it hard for the opposition to get any balls through into our box. Tackles are welcomed.

Jorginho and Ramsey:
Both are box to box players. When one goes forward the other will stay back and protect San Jose/back for. With the pace these two have they’ll run up and down the field all day long. When they go forward (one at a time) they’ll play the ball wide and make a last ditch run in to the box and get on the end of any ball coming into the box. Tackles are welcomed by these two.

Deulofeu and Tello:
These two will help Cancelo and Davies out when both are pinned in by the opposition at our end for the pitch. But when we go up the other end these two have pace and will frighten the life out of the oppositions full backs when we go on the attack. Both of these two will play as natural wingers this week by going down the line and whipping crosses into the box for Pelle and Ramsey/Jorginho to get on the end of.

Pelle:
If we choose to go long then he’ll hold the ball up well for us and draw the players behind him in to help on the attack. When the ball is out wide Pelle will need to make sure he gets into the box and on the end of crosses coming into the box.

Subs:
Allen and Ings on for Jorginho and Pelle (75 mins) – like for like to give some fresh pace to the team when tiring.

BATTERSEA IRONSIDES v Gosport tactics


-------------Jefferson-------------

Peruzzi---Rami---Gabriel---Gaya

-------Vidal----Kondogbia-------

---Lucas----Firmino----Piatti---

-----------Mandzukic-----------


Subs: Fofana, Cartabia, Balanta, Mitrovic, Sanson

Captain: Rami
Free kicks: Firmino
Corners: Firmino
Penalties: Vidal


OVERVIEW

Standard Battersea. Keep the ball moving quickly. Sit deepish and press in short and sharp bursts in our own half (keeping our shape). Win ball back, bomb forward on counter with quick ground passing. Stretch the pitch as wide as it’ll go in attack. Utilise the engines of our midfielders and the pace of our wingers on the break when the opposition is out of shape and disorganised.

INDIVIDUAL

Jefferson – keep it simple. Stay big, claim crosses, distribute quickly with a throw to a CM or FB. No sweeping with our deepish line.

Peruzzi/Gaya – both old-fashioned FBs in that they can actually defend. Minimise gaps in between FB and CB when defending, show any wide players down the line. Only one bombs forward at a time when we counter, as long as one does bomb forward.

Rami/Gabriel – Rami is the composed leader, Gabriel the hatchet man. Gabriel is quick and aggressive, Rami can sweep up a little further behind. Deep line so no space in behind please chaps. These two will relish a physical contest and Gabriel has the speed to keep up with a speedy or tricky forward like Gabbiadini. Just don’t get pulled out of position. Happy to let them have the ball in front of the defence since it either means a speculative shot from range or a clobbering from Vidal.

Vidal/Kondogbia – Vidal does his normal thing, hammering it around like a nutjob for 90 mins. He’ll get tight on any B2B midfielder Gosport have. Vidal has licence to bomb forward but primarily I want him denying space for Gosport attackers. Kondogbia does his normal interception job and will stick to the opposition #10 like glue (presumably Vazquez). Keep the ball moving wide or through Firmino nice and sharp.

Lucas/Piatti – old school wingers. Both lightning quick, quicker than any defender I can think of. Get wide, get round the back and drill/whip it in at head height or lower. Mandzukic will attack the near post/centre and the opposite winger will attack far post. These two can hurt the opposition on the counter especially if as anticipated they don’t play wingers.

Firmino – the all-round #10. Keep the ball moving; spray it wide through to the wingers and let them chase it, or play one-twos with Mandzukic and get in on goal yourself.

Mandzukic – the one player who’s allowed to press in the opposition’s half, because even if I told him not to he’d do it anyway. Bully the CBs, give them a good honest game. Get in the box and on the end of the wingers’ crosses.

SUBS
If losing/drawing: Mitrovic for Firmino, Cartabia for Piatti (80 mins)
Mitrovic goes up top alongside Mandzukic and we go all out. Cartabia has excellent delivery from the left wing.

If winning: Mitrovic for Mandzukic, Sanson for Firmino, Fofana for Vidal (85 mins)
All fresh legs; Sanson will sit a little deeper than Firmino, just in front of the midfield 2, and will use his ball retention skills.


PEACE

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Miami Fusion v SHAKHTAR SENSELESS

Injuries: D.Suarez, Aina, Costa, Nathan
Suspended: Niguez

-------------------Frey
Aurier - De Vrij - Pepe - Coentrao
----------------De Rossi
------------Khedira - Xavi
Florenzi-----------------------Perisic
------------------Origi

Subs: Raeder, Vermaelen, Samper, Munir, Clough

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

Time to get our promotion quest back on track with a tough game away to Miami. We're playing our strongest side, with a couple of improvements compared to the previous setup. Like last week this game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points. They have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in De Rossi, Khedira and Xavi, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Florenzi at RW with Perisic at LW but both able to cut inside and get at the Miami defence with Aurier/Coentrao overlapping. Divock Origi upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Frey - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Origi.

De Vrij/Pepe - Pepe to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and De Vrij to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Aurier/Coentrao - Both of you to force the Miami wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Florenzi/Perisic as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Origi and link with De Rossi/Khedira/Xavi. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

De Rossi - Playing as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Miami attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Khedira and Xavi, also look for Florenzi, Perisic or Origi making runs. Another MOTM performance needed.

Khedira/Xavi - Both of you playing the box to box role, both assist the CB's and De Rossi in dealing with the Miami attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Xavi to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Khedira to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Florenzi/Perisic - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Miami fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Origi with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with De Rossi/Khedira/Xavi, and capitalise on the space Origi's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Origi - you will be expected to occupy the Miami centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Xavi off, Samper on. Switch to 4-5-1, Samper an extra DM alongside De Rossi and Khedira as we shut up shop. Florenzi moves to RM with Perisic at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Xavi off, Munir on. Change to a 4-2-3-1, Khedira and De Rossi sitting, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. Perisic at AM with Florenzi RW and Munir LW, more space for Aurier and Coentrao to get forward. Get closer to Origi to create chances.

If losing: De Vrij and Khedira off, Munir and Z.Clough on. Switch to 3-2-3-2, Aurier - Pepe - Coentrao the back three, De Rossi and Xavi the deep playmakers, Florenzi - Perisic - Munir behind a front two of Origi and Clough. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.

Fiorentina vs Gáy-pride

Injuries:
Julian Brandt
Federico Barba
Gökhan Inler
Crisitan Maggio
……………………………………………….Casillas…………………………………
…………………………….Ivanovic……..Badstuber….Nastasic…………….
De Sciglio……………….De Jong………..Yaya Toure……………….Pasqual
……………………………………………..Iniesta………………………………………………
……………………………….Ibrahimovic………..Austin………………………………..

Subs: Gordon, Vidic, Besic, Januzaj, Toni

We’ve learnt our lessons from the first encounter between these two sides earlier on in the season, when Pride’s galactico’s took the game to us, and we’re unlucky not to get the win, before Ibra stole us a point with a penalty.

We won’t be making the same mistakes again as we go with a more traditional set-up as we look to the basics properly this time around and then let the fancy bits and pieces come into it after we’ve got a foothold in the game


Even as the away team, the impetus will be on us to go on and press for the win, we’ve shuffled the pack due to a couple of targeted injuries and make a return to the tried and tested 3-5-2 (much like our encounter at the start of the season but with a much improved starting XI)

Casillas – He knows his business…..still a good keeper and a very good shot stopper, our side is harder-working than it used to be so as such the defence now gets more protection, so should only really be troubled by first timers from distance, quick recycling of the ball is key today, whether that be going long for Ibra or wide to the full-backs, the key is to keep the ball

The Defence:
Well after playing a settled back four for the last 2 games Tino Ranieri switches it round today, just to keep things fresh,
The 3 centre backs are all solid individuals who although good on the ball, are no-nonsense types, who will clear house and find “Row Z” when required. Not 100% certain how Pride will line this up but a back 3 gives the flexibility to deal with most attacking outlets. Our defences biggest weakness is probably a lack of pace (perceived atleast) so the line is deeper today cutting out the space for the ball over the top, or a cheeky through ball

Badstuber: Is the central defender and will be the man to deal with the central striker, whether that be as a lone striker or part of a trident (formation dependant) good in the air and good on the ball a classy centre-half who can be trust to keep the ball for us and help in possession
Ivanovic/Nastasic: Both play as the wide centre-backs, Both men have/do play as full-backs so this versatility will be valuable as they drift wide to deal with Prides wingers should he play 4-2-3-1 like he often does
All 3 men clear 6 foot so any kind of aerial battle should and will be bread and butter for them
De Sciglio/Pasqual – Both Italian international regulars will supply the width today, getting up and down the pitch as we look to stretch Prides side. He has great wingers so with these two and their centre-half colleagues we should be able to shut them out, even a player as good as Robben will struggle when doubled up on


The Midfield:
For a long time our weakest point, it’s now become an area of strength, this midfield 3 could hold it’s own against
Midfield in possession – With the ball all 3 men move forwards as a unit, De Jong is the deepest of the 3 but Yaya and Iniesta are given freedom to push forwards and wide to create space and really stretch Prides side, They play a high pressing game so we look to move them around and with our FB’s pushing on added to our CB’s moving forwards there should in theory always be an “easy” ball open to the man in possession, even if it’s a simple 5 yard sideways pass, if we have the ball they can’t score…If Iniesta can’t unlock the defence then Yaya can bulldoze his was through leaving the spaces for everyone
Midfield not in possession – The centre ground is the important ground and we have no passengers in this unit even Iniesta is expected to work hard(ish) he’ll remain the furthest forward cutting off a backwards pass by Pride to their DM’s and starting the counter-attack…De Jong will drop off and look to silence their AM, whilst Yaya will use his terrier like style to harry and rush the man in possession, forced passes lead to stray passes leading to possession turnovers….Yaya and De Jong like our defenders are given free licence to well and truly get stuck in, hit their players hard and sometimes fair, make sure they stay hit

Ibracadabra :
The elephant man
The elephant man
Diego Costa
The elephant man

Austin: Comes in for his debut today, good in the air and an intelligent runner, will look to harry Prides solid but sluggish defence, playing off the shoulder of Giant(s) well Ibra…Hope Parks on results he’ll get the Oasis reference and give me a slot for that
anyway Austin is the goal poaching fox in the box that all teams need

Set-Pieces:

Defensive:
All men in the box apart from Iniesta and Pasqual who are on the half-way line for the counter, and De Jong who’s just outside the “D” to collect the secondary ball, This means not including Casillas we have six 6footer’s in the box which is more than enough to deal with any aerial ball in…..Ivanovic and De Scig will cover a post each….Nastasic, Yaya, Badstuber and Ibra will pick a man each to deal with
Offensive:
Pretty much the reverse as Pasqual and De Jong drop to the half-way line to stifle the counter-attack…..Iniesta takes all set-pieces
De Sciglio attacks near post, Ivanovic attacks far post…Ibra gets in the face of the keeper using his massive frame to be a nuisance which frees Yaya, Badstuber and Nastasic up to attack the ball as it comes in

Player Roles:
Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Corners: (both sides) Iniesta
Free Kicks: (Long or short) Iniesta

Substitutions:
Have every faith in this system so all subs are from 65 minutes regardless of score as we look just for fresh legs
Besic > De Jong
Vidic > Badstuber
Toni > Austin

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FC Pride:

------------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Coke------------Ayhan------------Kos-------------Blind
-----------------------Mascherano-----------------------
-------------Wijnaldum----------Kouyate---------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Robben------------------PEA----------------------Afobe

Subs:

Van Aanholt, Pirlo, Höjbjerg, Immobile


Injuries:
Janko
Halilovic
Pedro
Hazard
Schöpf
Dybala


It's time for a change this week, we need afresh approach to stop teams solely focusing on shutting down Pirlo. So after his exploits in Berlin, the Italian gets a well deserved rest, well at least from the bench anyway. We will be looking to implement a 4-3-3 this week, with the fullbacks providing the width, strength, power and pace in the middle of the park, with fast, intricate attacking play in the final third.

Enyeama takes his place in goal and he'll look to play the ball out through shorter passing. Though our opponents tend to play a slightly narrower midfield so if there is space out wide he will look to clip the ball into those areas for the fullbacks or midfielders.

The back 4 consists of Coke, Ayhan, Koscielny and Blind. Plenty of experience mixed with youth, athleticism and power. We will be able to push up the field a bit knowing we have the legs to get back if need be. Ayhan is the new recruit, he's had a solid season with Schalke and is very good on the ball, bringing it out and passing.

The midfield trio consists of Mascherano at the base as the holding midfielder, Kouyate as the energetic, powerful box to box midfielder and Wijnaldum as the creative spark.

Up front we have Robben, Aubameyang and Afobe, lots of pace and directness if needed. All 3 have goal scoring and assisting ability so they should be a handful for our opponents defence.


When out of possession we want to be compact, pushing our opponents into wider areas where they are less effective. We'll effectively be a 4-5-1 without the ball and we'll look to show our opponents outside. When marking Iniesta we will stand a yard or so off him, shutting off the inside pass, allowing our man not to get beaten with a piece of skill as well as starving them of possession in the middle of the pitch.

Kos and Masch will focus more on the physical battles at the back whilst Ayhan's pace will help him win 2nd balls and mop up. When he steps out with the ball, Mascherano will fill in for him.

When in possession we move to our 4-3-3, our midfield has the power and pace to cause problems, especially with Wijnaldum's movement off the ball. We want to get the ball out to our wider players and use PEA's speed in getting in behind to our advantage by getting balls in behind them. When one fullback pushes up the pitch, the other will stay back to help prevent the counter threat.




Captain: Mascherano
Vice Captain: Robben
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Robben
Corners: Robben


If losing after 75 mins:

Pirlo > Kouyate
Immobile > Afobe (with PEA going into the wider position)

Pirlo's creativity and a new focal point up front in Immobile


If winning after 75 mins:

Pirlo > Afobe (Wijnaldum moving into wider position)

We'll want to control possession, who better than Pirlo to slow the game down

Last 5 mins:

Van Aanholt > Wiljnaldum (His pace should help covering the lefthand side)

Notts County vs Mandems

-------------------------------De Gea--------------------------------

Darmian----------Gentiletti--------Marquinhos--------Bernat

-----------------------------Marchisio----------------------------------

------------------Sturaro-------------Verratti----------------------

------------------------------Thiago---------------------------------

--------------------Alexis----------Martial------------------------

Subs: Baba Rahman, McNair, Tolisso, Grealish, Correa

Game Plan: Biggest game of the season, so far so we're ready and raring to go after a couple of disappointing results so we need to put it right, we'll set up in a new 4-4-2 diamond system, we'll look to dominate possession from the off, every man from 1-11 is very comfortable in possession. By keeping as much possession as possible we'll look to be patient and create space by moving the ball from side to side with a quick tempo, with Mandems expected to play a 4-3-3 it should give us plenty of opportunity to dominate the midfield and then take advantage in the channels with the pace and movement of our front 2, however we are still able to manage the game if they set up in a 4--2 system, as we will match up with their system.

Defensively we will look to push high up the pitch, all of our defenders are quick so are able to do this without fear of Mandems being able to spring us on the counter attack. The reason for the high line is to condense the space while out of possession for the likes of Suarez, Fellaini, Silva etc, denying them the space to get on the ball and turn at our defence will be crucial in winning this game. The gap between the defence and the forwards should be very tight, we don't necessarily need to go chasing the ball from their CB's but when the wing backs and midfielders of Mandems receive the ball, the nearest player (whether that be a midfielder, striker or defender) should be sprinting out to him to put him under pressure, when a player leaves his position, the next man must always be aware to cover the space he leaves, it's a very fluid system that requires a lot of hard work and concentration but we're good enough to do it, we want to force Mandems to either have to pass backwards or force a mistake from the man in possession.

As spoken of previously in the tactics, we will look to be in possession a damn site more than we are out of it, we will move the ball with tempo and pace between the midfielders and forwards, however we must not be afraid to play the ball backwards in order to keep the ball if a forward pass is not on, the idea behind keeping possession for so long is to draw defenders out of position and exploit the gaps that they leave, it's very difficult to concentrate as a defender of you're under pressure for a long time, mistakes will happen. We've also bought in Stefano Sturaro as a more physically dominant player, as we feel with Fellaini and Schweinsteiger in the Mandems midfield we just need a little more bite in there.

Our 2 forwards Martial and Alexis again are very comfortable receiving the ball to feet and linking play effectively while also being able to run the channels in behind the defence, their movement and pace will be key in dragging defenders out of position and then exploiting that space in order to create chances, Our attack will always create chances with the quality of our midfield supplying them, they just have to take them, and they have all proven capable of that in their careers.


Substitutions: if losing after 70 minutes, Angel Correa for Sturaro, Martial to play up front While Sanchez and Correa will make up a front 3 rather than a front 2, Thiago to play alongside Verratti in a 2 man midfield with Marchisio as Regista.

If winning after 80 minutes, Corentin Tolisso for Anthony Martial, Tolisso to play alongside Sturaro and Verrati in the midfield, The team will just drop off a little and settle in for the remainder of the game, being stout in defence leaving no space whatsoever.


Captain: Marchisio
Corners: Marchisio
Free Kicks: Sanchez
Penalties: Marchisio

-----------------------Nyland
Korb-----------Tah---------Kempf-------Friedrich
----------------Stark----------Weigl
Zivkovic-----------Ödegaard--------------Fischer
-----------------------Vietto

Subs: Rossbach, Ajer, van de Beek, Scholl, Öztunali

Corners: Zivkovic/Fischer
Pens: Vietto
Free Kicks: Fischer

My intentions are for my midfielders and forwards to pressurise the Southend players and thus compress the spaces and time in which they have to play the ball, as the less time the Southend players will have on the ball, the smaller the area they have to play into becomes. Also winning the ball as close to the Southend goal as possible allows a more direct route to goal, increasing the chances of scoring.

The flipside to this kind of pressing is that it can be very tiring for the players doing it and so part of what I plan to make these tactics a success is that the players will know when to sit in front of the opposition and when to harass the opposition.

As seen in my substitution below I will always look to substitute a forward or winger after 80 minutes. They are the players that have to press the most, while the defenders, in theory, should barely have to.

The alternative of sitting back and letting the opposition have the ball will give my forwards an opportunity to recover for another period of pressing.

Our solid defence and midfield partnership of Stark and Weigl means we are happy to sit back and exchange long balls; it will allows our forwards to recover, but also force Southend to alter their style. If long balls don’t work, Southend are forced to try to play their way through, leaving gaps for my team to exploit on the counter-attack. In addition, the completeness that universality pushes towards means that the long balls will be realistic goal-scoring opportunities for Luciano Vietto.

In possession, my five man midfield make it easier to maintain possession – indeed, my 4-2-3-1 formation will naturally encourage passing triangles – and my players’ ability to interchange positions will make them difficult to track.

A run through of my players shows that everyone is capable on the ball or is able to play in a different position.

Nyland is an extremely gifted young keeper and his excellent distribution will also start many attacks for us.

Jonathan Tah and Marc-Oliver Kempf are calm and assured on the ball. Whilst Marvin Friedrich is able to play anywhere along the defence and Julian Korb is known for his vision and short passing.

Niklas Stark and Julian Weigl and will play primarily defensive, with their main job being to win the ball back for the players in front of them, both are extremely comfortable on the ball and Stark in particular will often be seen lingering outside the opposition penalty area, ready to shoot.

These two players will go about their work with the utmost efficiency, if people aren’t talking about them then that means they are doing their job. Neither are afraid of putting in a firm tackle, and both are not only excellent interceptors but also equally excellent recyclers and passers of the ball.

The front 4 are all adapt at playing in more than one attacking position, and when Vietto drops deep expect Odegaard to move forward, and likewise when Vietto drifts left, expect Fischer to come more central.

Odegaard is comfortable with both feet on the ball and blessed with great speed of thought and action. He is an electrifying player with his pace and imagination.

Fischer has superb vision, good ball control, a confident dribbling ability and knows when’s best to accelerate with the ball, which is arguably much more important than having raw pace.

Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders.


Subs: Öztunali on for Odegaard (80th Min)

Cambuur vs. LIL' HORSE

--------------------------Forster---------------------
----------Varane--------Ginter-------Rugani--------
D. Alves--------Wanyama----Schneiderlin----Rodriguez
-----------Muller---------------------------Isco---
--------------------------Aguero---------------------

Subs: Horn, Durm, Kramer, Goretzka, Williams

Tactics -

A fluid system today, which should unleash the power of my WBs, but also maintain the defence integrity that this game will require.

The key to this system is that Ginter can play as both a CB and a DM. When we have the ball, he steps forward, and we can play a traditional 4-3-3. But, when we defend, he comes back in line with Varane and Rugani to help cover for the elevated WBs.

The key is stick rigidly to the system, and use all our experience and guile to simply nullify the youth of LC and transition into an offensive mindset with ease.

Players should press singularly for a few seconds, if they win the ball then great, if they don't, they will have bought the rest of the team enough time to slot back from their offensive positions to their defensive lines.

Defence -

A zonal defence today, should the ball go out wide, Alves/Rodriguez presses from behind them, Varane/Rugani steps out to meet the danger in front of them. Ginter tends to cover the middle, in partnership with whichever CB has not been pulled wide by LC's wing play.

We don't think many attacks will transpire from the centre because (a) we have three CBs to crowd that area, and (b) in front of them we have Schneiderlin and Wanyama, which is a hell of a shield to have.

When we have the ball, Alves and Rodriguez both crash on forward, overlapping the narrow 'wingers' of Muller and Isco. This kind of system should get the best out of the two attacking FBs. Ginter will similarly step forward, acting as a DM pivot. His presence here will give us a firmer foothold on the game, because he can act as a conservative outlet should an attack break down and we want to retain possession and recycle it.

Midfield -

These guys will be key to buying the team the time needed to transition from one phase to the other. Should we lose the ball, one of the four will move out to meet the ball, and the others will cover the forward passes - This will give us time to slip into our defensive gear.

Wanyama and Schneiderlin remain deep tonight. Their presence will shore up the centre and force the ball wide, which should play into our hands.

Isco and Muller have a move freer role today, they can drift out wide and outnumber the opposition FB with help from the WB, or they can drift centrally and use their ability to ghost about the pitch to reak havoc and get some linkage going with Aguero. Should the ball go out wide for a cross, Muller will get in the box - his aerial ability is undoubtable, and will give us a real chance of making the most of our WBs - and Isco will move into an area just behind the box to look for any cut backs or rebounds.

Forward -

Aguero will similarly press from the front, trying to force the ball to travel across LC's defence or back to the keeper, which should allow us to regain our defensive stance.

He will have several different feeds from today's system, the WBs crossing in from wide, or pass and move style attacks from Isco and Muller. He should, mostly, stay on the blind shoulder of the slowest CB, which will emphasise his uncanny ability to move around the box unhindered. But, he can mix it up, dropping deep to play lay offs for the WBs to striker, or even swapping places with Muller and Isco to keep the opposition guessing.

Subs -

Losing/Drawing - 70 - Ginter off for Inaki Williams. Williams is an incredibly promising winger for Bilbao, and was a real thorn in Real's side when he played against them. Sheer pace and a good cross will hopefully open up Cambuur. He'll play on the left in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Muller on the right and Isco at No.10

Winning - 70 - Goretzka on for Isco - Similar position, but a bit more defensively aware. His constant movement, power and pressing will hammer our system home and hold us out for the win.

-------------------------Guaita-------------------------
Clyne-----------Smalling---------Dante----------Bertrand
---------Eriksen-----Schweinsteiger----Fellaini---------
Insigne--------------------------------------------Silva
-------------------------Suarez-------------------------

BENCH
Lindegaard
Aranguiz
Carrick
Motta
Bernardo Silva

We are getting screwed over by luck on a continuous basis. Game after game. So, I want nothing left to chance this week with everything going in our favour. I want you all riled up, ready to smash our opponents this week after what has happened in previous games.

They will probably look to attack us with pace. They have lost two big attackers in Morata and Reus, but we expect Sanchez to be the main man. Wherever he plays, he will drift inside, so we need a solid back four. Not man-marking, just ensure that we hold a flat back line where no space can be exploited in between. I want the full backs to be a bit more cautious than usual, not getting into the final third but somewhere between the halfway line and 2/3s down the pitch as a 'default' position. Marchisio and Verratti are the two big players in midfield who we can't let influence the game. We need to be quick in the tackle and I want Schwein to sit deeper protecting the back four, while Eriksen and Fellaini are aggressive, getting in their faces and not allowing them time on the ball.

Attacking, I want Fellaini to be looking to bully their centre backs, causing havoc within the back four and alongside Suarez this will terrify a defense which will be playing someone weak with Gimenez out alongside Marquinhos, who is only a young lad himself. Darmian and Bernat are not the sort to organise a defense so we can really cause problems amongst them here. I want Insigne to run at his full back, looking to mix it up between getting wide to stretch their defense and charging in the space between full back and centre back. Schweinsteiger should pull the strings from deep, playing a mix of nice passing play to Eriksen and Silva and more direct to Fellaini and Suarez, with Insigne out wide. Silva and Eriksen should generally be drifting, looking for space rather than being static. Having these two constrasting styles when we attack will mean that we have a plan B and a plan A which we can use in tandem.


PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - Be vocal. Mix the distribution, sometimes short, if you go long, Fellaini is the man to aim for.
Clyne/Bertrand - You need to be a bit more cautious today. Look to play your part in a flat back four. Bertrand can be a little more attacking if anyone, with Insigne providing more width on the right and Silva looking to cut in on the left. Stay back for set pieces.
Dante/Smalling - As mentioned, flat back four. Make sure that they cannot get in behind and there is no space between you. Sanchez is the main man in their attack, potentially Grealish/Martial. Be quick on Sanchez in particular. Get forward for set pieces.
Schweinsteiger - Protect the space in front of the back four. Look to pass the ball forward at every opportunity, mix it up though and make it impossible for them to guess what you will do.
Eriksen - Look to close down their midfielders when they have the ball, getting in the faces of key players Verratti and Marchisio. Especially be quick to stop Marchisio providing that drive. When we have the ball, pass it quickly and look for through passes at every opportunity.
Fellaini - Pressurise in the same manner as Eriksen, but be a little bit deeper. Look to get in the box when we have the ball, drift around and bully their defenders.
Silva/Insigne - Two different types of winger. I want Silva to be drifting infield and playing passes, feeding Suarez, looking for pockets of space. Insigne, more of an out and out winger looking to dribble the ball fast and at their defense, look to stretch them.
Suarez - Lead the line, make the most of the excellent service you will get from Insigne/Schweinsteiger/Eriksen/Silva and Fellaini trying to make space for you. Look to drift out wide, get in behind. Be unpredictable.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Silva
Right Corner - Insigne
Free Kicks - Plenty of choice. Suarez/Schweinsteiger/Silva/Eriksen?
Penalties - Suarez


SUBSTIUTIONS
If winning - Carrick and Motta on for two midfielders to shore up things and hold out the game.
If drawing - Bernardo Silva for Christian Eriksen - Like for like swap, full backs have more license to get forward.
If losing - Aranguiz for Schweinsteiger

Southend on behalf of Rap/Tippy


-----------------Buffon-----------------
Trippier--Mustafi--Terry--Kurzawa
------------------Geis------------------
--------Can--------Henderson-----
Ibe---------------------------Welbeck
----------------Sturridge--------------

Subs: Howard, Capradossi, Schar, Pjanic, Bony

Captain: Terry
Corners: Stroot
Free kicks: Can/Sturridge
Penalties: Welbeck

Goalie: Buffon - The GOAT, need nowt to say really

Defence:
RB: Trippier (RB), the best full back in the Championship last season who is now a regular in the premier league - he's good and defending and going forward and was whoscored.com's top right back in the league last season. His defence work is solid and reliable, rated at 7.55 out of 10 over the course of 40 games shows he is also a consistantly good performer. Another thing added to his game this season is the amount of assists he gets for the team with his hard work down the wing.
I want him to do exactly this. Trippier and Kurzawa will work in a way that will not leave us short at the back but will support our attack...that rhymes...Solid at the back, strong to attack... That's going to be sewn in to our shorts for this match . This will work by being disciplined, if the opposite full back is up there you stay keeping the 3 defenders and 1 DM to keep things tight in case of a counter.
I want both full backs to show there wingers outside them and offer the crossing option. It seems as if the opponents men like to come inside and do damage with the attackers in the middle so by showing them down the line they will have to do something magic or just aimlessly lob balls at Gigi's grateful hands.

LB:Just a word on Kurzawa as I have already outlined what I want him to do. He has shown his worth this season and was a key player in a season that saw them do more than many would have given them credit for. My main interest in Kurzawa is his positional ability and speed ability, he also seems to have a Joe Allen-esque ability to always find that pass when needed and he is an exceptionally good defender that can play on both sides of the back line.

Kurzawa and Trippier give great balance to the team and we long as we keep the understanding that we keep it tight at the back and strong in the attack I am really happy these two will be able to play their part.

CB's: I have selected a balanced CB pairing of youth + experience.
On the right side is German international and regular first team player Skhodran Mustafi...Mustafi was probably the best RCB in Italy last season and if it weren't for injury would have been part of the German world cup squad. He is young but incredibly talented.
Terry is playing very well despite his age and has made Chelsea the unit at the back this season that has seen them lose only once.
Mustafi's raw talent mixed with JT's intelligence will be a massive bonus to us.
Terry will tell his defence where to be and is the natural captain for our team.


DM: Geis is a player I have rated for a long time and now he is getting his chance in the Bundesliga...and he's taking full advantage of it, a member on IBWM's top 100 players under 25 he is blessed with a great ability to read the game and make vital interceptions. Not only can he win the ball back but perhaps more importantly he can recycle...exactly what I want him to do for us. Break down their play, restart the attack...it's easy ain't it?

CM: Can and Henderson.
Emre Can comes in today. Solid in the tackle, with an eye for a pass and a thumper of a shot, he offers a bit of everything and will be combative in the midfield. A real box to box player, and one with exceptional skills too!!
He is partnered with Henderson...A really hardworking pairing in the middle that is proven in the real world, they have a great knowledge and know how to compliment each other. When one goes the other will hold. Henderson will show this week why LVG is so keen on bringing him to united.

Ibe and Welbs out wide, work rate and pace...this is going to be key as much like liverpool last season I want to break quick with players round the back of the defenders... the more players the defenders have to think about the more likely they'll make mistakes...plus the make room for each other and the on rushing midfield.

ST:

Studge!
What a difference from the frustrated player at Chelsea. The boy has obvious talent and can score all sorts of goals, tap in's, long rangers, headers, skillfull flicks. The hope for England that we may soon have a very special player on our team. I put faith in Sturridge and this is what he needs to perform his best. Confidence is key and when this boy is confident he will be the key!

Subs:

If losing: 65mins: Geis and Can off for Bony and Pjanic.
Strootman goes holding and we move a 4-4-2 Diamond with Pjanic at the tip.

Sekhukhune Lions

General

Captain: Howedes

Vice-Captain: Gonalons

Penalties: Lacazette

Corners: Parejo/Gundogan

Freekicks: Parejo/Gundogan

Starting Line-Up: 1-3-4-2-1

---------------------------Lodygin------------------------------

----Gouweleeuw-----Gonalons---------Umtiti-----------

Danilo--------Veretout--------Tielemans-------Amavi

------Anderson----------------------------Sterling----------

--------------------------Lacazette----------------------------

Subs: Calhanoglu

Sinkgraven

Ziyech

B. Traore

Fekir

Tactics

We’re taking the next step in the evolution of our side and tinkering our formation and tactics to better suit our players and also to suit the flexibility which has been enhanced by key additions to the side and which I will explain further in our tactics. Essentially we’re still this lightening quick transition footballing team that presses from the front and high up the pitch but we’re adding a bit more possession. We also will press immediately after losing the ball because the best time to exploit your opponent is when they are disorganized.

In Possession:

Most opposing teams play with either 1 or 2 strikers or 1 striker & 1 CAM. By having 3 central defenders, this enables us to dominate the ball by always having an extra man in our defensive line. We can pass around their press because of the numerical advantage as well use our midfielders more aggressively in their positioning to help aid with the passing and moving the ball quickly towards our front 3. IF the opposition tries to use their 3 forwards to press our 3 CBs, our WBs will drop into the defensive line to help aid in our passing of the ball into the attacking phase. By doing this our CMs keep their position in midfield and our attacking duo behind the striker take up wider positions to stretch the play and give us more options when working the ball upfield. From there the receiving wide-forward will make a diagonal run towards the goal (using their dribbling ability) to either create or score whilst the other will target the opposite post to try and score a goal. Also note that when making these diagonal runs our WBs (who are really like wide box-to-box midfielders imo) will burst upfield to take up the wide positions to stretch the opposition. The CMs will also work their way upfield with either one getting into the box but both helping with the creativity and combination play. By moving higher up the pitch as a unit, we squeeze the space that the opposition plays in and as a result, we can press aggressively when we lose possession of the ball.

Now I know you might think that playing 2 box-to-box midfielders may leave us exposed but our box-to-box midfielders both contribute a lot defensively in terms of tackles and interceptions.

The WBs are always available to help with passing combinations out wide by assisting with build-up in midfield and then driving forward to stretch the play allowing our attacking midfielders to move infield. By utilizing the intelligence of our attacking mids we can still create overloads in central areas which will aid us in creating chances. As mentioned it is the versatility & flexibility of our players that allows us to drift into the half spaces and play around the opposition’s formation & defensive structure. Both Anderson & Sterling are good at picking holes in the opposition’s formation and exploiting it with their pace to burn & dribbling ability. Both are good technically so can still work in tight spaces well (as can the rest of side). Lacazette is also allowed to drop deep and help with build-up play for our attacking midfielders.

Note that both WBs are allowed to attack down the wings at once to stretch the opposition and create space. The WBs will use crosses & cutbacks to create chances for our forwards. Whereas our front 3 will always be moving around dragging opposition players with them and making runs behind the defence. Throughballs are essential to splitting teams and we have very creative passers capable of this. The striker will try & make runs in & around the opposition’s CBs. As mentioned before, if the wide-forwards receive the ball in wide areas, they will make diagonal runs towards goal using their pace & dribbling ability.

Out of Possession:

Ok the thing that sticks out is Gonalons as a CB. Firstly he has played there numerous times IRL. Secondly he is a great player creating from deep so by playing him in the defensive line we want to allow him more time on the ball to pick his passes as most teams wont press as much high-up than they do in midfield. He is also the spare man to mark any runners that try to break beyond our defensive block using his intelligent positioning & reading of the game (Not to say our defenders don’t possess these qualities). The wide CBs both share similar attributes and are pacey enough to play in the wider role. When defending deep the WBs will drop into the defensive line next to our CBs as we defend in 5 across the back. The 2 box-to-box midfielders & our 2 attacking midfielders will press infront of the defence and in our midfield area leaving Lacazette on the shoulder of their last

defender looking to exploit on the counter. Ideally we would like to defend narrow, forcing the opposition out wide and into crossing opportunities where we have 3 CBs who are good in the air to deal with it. This also makes it harder for the opposition to create higher quality chances through the centre. Also a neat tactic is when teams try to overload the wide areas with their FBs & WFs, Gonalons can easily move into the CDM position which will allow us to switch into a back 4 enabling us to deal with the situation better as Sterling & Anderson can drop deep and help out our FBs defensively.

Substitutions

65min – Sinkgraven on for Tielemans to get some fresh legs in midfield.

75mins – Ziyech & Fekir for Anderson & Sterling respectively. Switch to 2 uptop with Lacazette & Fekir playing as strikers and Ziyech behind them.

--------------------Lloris------------
Carvajal—Zouma—Laporte—Gibbs
------------Carvalho---Gundogan----
Carrillo----------Rafinha--------Shaqiri
----------------Luis Adriano-------------

Subs: Fabianski, van Dijk, Quintero, Bolasie, Milik

Today’s gameplan is a plan to sit deep, getting bodies behind the ball defending astutely and then when we get on the ball moving it quickly and getting at Taiwan as quickly as possible. Taiwan have a brilliant team going forward, but they’re vulnerable at the back due to a lack of pace and as the home team they will no doubt be drawn onto us and come at us. This means we need to keep concentration high all game and stay focused on the plan in hand.

Lloris – Usual goalie stuff, command his box, make himself big if caught 1 on 1 and as usual be quick off his line to try and stop Taiwan getting into the small amount of space behind our defenders. His distribution will be vital today – I want him to be very alert when he gets the ball and looking to the wide players for a quick ball out to get us going at the Taiwan defence.

FBs – Playing purely as defenders today. Stay in line with the rest of the defence and don’t get drawn out of position. We are parking the bus bigtime here.

CBs – Zouma to be the more aggressive defender, attacking the ball and the main CF at all times, while Laporte uses his reading of the game to make himself a free man and cover the rest of the back 4, meaning we should always have a man covered and most of the time should be able to 2 on 1 them.

Carvalho – Anchorman, sits in front of the defence stopping people getting a free run at them.

Gundogan – Energetic and aggressive, he will be getting stuck in all over the MF and will be the one also starting our attacks, he is suited to getting the ball forward quickly and will relish the challenge.

Rafinha – Just be like a slightly worse Iniesta but drift around tearing it up whilst chasing people down quickly off the ball. He will tend to drift left, which will suit our play as I feel that RB is Taiwans weakness.

Shaqiri & Carrillo – run. Run at people, make runs beyond people. Just use the pace and directness to really cause Taiwan problems.

Adriano – finish off the chances innit.

Subs – 67 mins, Quintero, Bolasie & Milik for Rafinha, Shaqiri & Adriano. All straight swaps.

MANDEM tactics to play Miami Fusion

Guaita
Clyne Smalling Dante Maxwell
Carrick Schweinsteiger
Insigne Eriksen Silva
Suarez

BENCH
Mounier
Motta
Aranguiz
Silva
Zardes

Right, if we don't win today, then the season is over. There's no ifs, no buts. We have to beat Miami. We're expecting them to line up in a narrow formation, either a 4-4-2 diamond or a 4-3-3 with players that want to get inside. Either way, we need to make sure that they can't get through the middle.

We will look to play fast passing football, we have the players for this, so look to pass it quickly within our technical players, Schweinsteiger, Eriksen and Silva to feed Suarez. Carrick should sit deep and spray the passes forward, while Insigne offers us an outlet out wide, where he can really attack their weak left back. Suarez should constantly be drifting around the final third, looking for space and creating space for others. We have plenty of players to make that moment of magic happen in the side. Look to keep hold of the ball, but move it quickly using our technical players. When we get the ball, the first option is to look to quickly get it to Suarez and Insigne (who will both stay higher up) and if this isn't an option then look to keep it.

Defensively, we need to make sure we are compact as they will try to batter us through the middle. Pogba must not be allowed time on the ball and Schweinsteiger is the man to silence him. Carrick should shield the back four, and ensure that there is no space there, with the back four staying compact as we expect two or three in their attack. Should Benteke start, Dante should man-mark him as he can match his physicality.


PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - Save shots.
Clyne/Maxwell - A little more cautious than usual going forward, if anyone attacks it's Clyne as we want to focus our attacks down the right. Make sure that their widemen can't cut inside.
Dante/Smalling - Should Benteke play which looks a pretty good bet, Dante should make sure he is on the side to deal with him. Smalling to help him hold the line as his defensive partner.
Carrick/Schweinsteiger - Look to pass the ball and dominate the middle of the park, plenty of experience between the two of you to shield the defense, and ensure that their midfielders can't get in to support the strikers. Pogba is the main man in their midfield and Schweinsteiger must instantly get on him the moment he's in possession.
Insigne/Silva - Two different types of wingers. Insigne should look to stretch their defense and run at his opponent, stay higher up when they have the ball for the counter attack. Silva should drift infield, look to get on the ball and pick out passes all day long. Swap places with Eriksen at times.
Eriksen - You're playing in the hole but don't stay there, drift wide to swap with Silva and find space between their defense and midfield. Pass the ball quickly, look to go up with Suarez.
Suarez - Look to drift around the final third, sometimes getting in behind, sometimes in front of the defense to receive the ball. Be clincial in front of goal, we need you on point today to win this game.

Come on lads, we must win this game. Otherwise, our promotion hopes are over.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Silva
Right Corner - Eriksen
Free Kicks - Schweinsteiger/Silva/Suarez
Penalties - Suarez


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning - Motta and Aranguiz on for two midfielders, fresh legs to shore things up to hold onto the game.
If drawing - Aranguiz for Carrick, adding energy to the midfield and Bernardo Silva for one of the AM trio to run at a tiring defense.
If losing - Zardes and Mounier for Clyne and Bertrard. Carrick to CB, 3-5-2 with Insigne/Mounier wide and Zardes joining Suarez upfront. More pace in the attack, force something out of the game.

-----------------Wellenreuther---------------

J.Stones---N'Koulou---Koulibaly---J.Hector

---------Padoin----Pogba----Gomes---------

Santiago--------C.Benteke--------Berahino

Bazoer, B.Mensah, R.Dourado, El Ghazi, Icardi

With N'Koulou coming he takes over the leadership role from Jagielka , he sits spare whilst Koulibaly picks up the CF, N'Koulou will lead the whole back 4 and they will go by Jagielka's instructions. While Kouliably is picking up the CF, Nkoulou, takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Kouliably or indeed any other attcaker that comes through. Koulibaly needs to be strong and mature in this role, he cannot be bullied by the CF, although he is a quick, powerful boy. Also by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where NKoulou helps him, The two will form a powerful partnership with no messing. Koulibaly attacks all high balls and clears any danger from ball whipped in. A daunting pair for any CF to face....

John Stones and Jonas Hector are allowed to attack, but I do stress, one goes at a time whilst the other stays back to keep three at the back. When they attack I want them up supporting our attack, getting beyond the wide forwards to take on there fullabacks and get to the bye line, so Santi and Saido can cut in and support Benteke. Whip in crosses for the big man to attack. When defending the lines, push the wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

With Wellenruether behind the back four this is a solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early.

Padoin joins the the midfield which has everything, they can tackle, attack, score...Gomes and Padoin either side of Pogba this week are to cover, they have a very strong trio so we must look to power through them, Gomes and padoin are excellent man markers so will take care of the two more advanced midfielders, Gomes the the more advanced of the two. He will look to stop the flow between midfield and attack and be onto the fella straight away. Padoin is solid if not spectacular, he does a professional job which ever position he is in, his positional sense its terrific and he is there also to stop them coming through and becoming a threat, once the ball is won these two get there heads up and look to get the ball forward to the front three, Pogba and which ever full back is up.

Pogba i have give a more free role, look to give him the role which allows him freedom to move forward and support Benteke, will play ahead of Padoin and Gomes but when defending he slots right into the middle or switch with Gomes depending where there AM is and the three will form a barrier near impossible to pass. Going forward he is a powerful runner and with Benteke the two will be a nightmare to get the ball offf of. Look to the wingers to pass and go as he drives into the box awaiting the pass back or crosses coming in. Look for the Benteke lay offs as well as the two look to gel pretty quickly.

Santiago Mina and Berahino add the flair and pace to the wings along with the power we have centrally this is a dnagerous combination for there back 4, look to take men on either play it down the wing and drive passed the full back with support from the fullbacks and whip in some dangerous crosses or play it inside to Pogba/Benteke and look for the one two so they can drive into the box and smash it goal wards, always driving at there defence, never giving them a moments rest when they are in possession. When we defend these two get back and make a strong midfield 5 not allowing there fullbacks to get anywhere passed the halfway line.

Benteke, a good outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Pogba who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support form Mina and Berahino this is a very quick and powerul front three always driving as a trio at defenders with Pogba also in support.

When we have corners I want N'Koulou and Koulibaly up in the danger area as the two are big and powerful and will be a threat, also up for free kicks, Padoin will sit in a back 3 and Gomes just ahead of them in case of any break aways.

Captain - Pogba
Penalties - Benteke
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Wide men

Subs
65 Mins El Ghazi on for Santiago Mina, fresh legs, skillfull and a pain in the erse to mark

Losing
Icardi for Padoin on 75 Mins 442

Winning
Bazoer for Padoin, fresh legs to mark any new CM on for them on 80

Drawing
Icardi for Benteke on 80

---------------------Bentley-------------------

J.Stones---N'Koulou---Koulibaly---J.Hector

---------Padoin----Delph----Gomes----------

Santiago--------C.Benteke--------Berahino

Bazoer, El Ghazi, Boufal, Kane, Icardi

N'Koulou takes over the leadership role again at the back, he sits spare whilst Koulibaly picks up the CF, N'Koulou will lead the whole back 4 and they will go by his instructions. While Kouliably is picking up the CF, Nkoulou, takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Kouliably or indeed any other attcaker that comes through. Koulibaly needs to be strong and mature in this role, he cannot be bullied by the CF, although he is a quick, powerful boy. Also by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where NKoulou helps him, The two will form a powerful partnership with no messing. Koulibaly attacks all high balls and clears any danger from ball whipped in. A daunting pair for any CF to face....

John Stones and Jonas Hector are allowed to attack, but I do stress, one goes at a time whilst the other stays back to keep three at the back. When they attack I want them up supporting our attack, getting beyond the wide forwards to take on there fullabacks and get to the bye line, so Santi and Saido can cut in and support Benteke. Whip in crosses for the big man to attack. When defending the lines, push the wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

With Bentley behind the back four this is a solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early.

Delph joins the the midfield which has everything, they can tackle, attack, score...Gomes and Padoin either side of Delph who deputises for Pogba this week are to cover, they are a very strong trio so we must look to power through them, Gomes and Padoin are excellent man markers and readers of the game, so will take care of the two more advanced midfielders, Gomes the the more advanced of the two. He will look to stop the flow between midfield and attack and be onto the fella straight away. Padoin is solid if not spectacular, he does a professional job which ever position he is in, his positional sense its terrific and he is there also to stop them coming through and becoming a threat, once the ball is won these two get there heads up and look to get the ball forward to the front three, Delph and which ever full back is up.

Delph is given the Pogba role which allows him freedom to move forward and support Benteke, will play ahead of Padoin and Gomes but when defending he slots right into the middle or switch with Gomes depending where there AM is and the three will form a barrier near impossible to pass. Going forward he is a powerful runner and with Benteke the two will be a nightmare to get the ball offf of. Look to the wingers to pass and go as he drives into the box awaiting the pass back or crosses coming in. Look for the Benteke lay offs as well as the two look to gel pretty quickly.

Santiago Mina and Berahino add the flair and pace to the wings along with the power we have centrally this is a dnagerous combination for there back 4, look to take men on either play it down the wing and drive passed the full back with support from the fullbacks and whip in some dangerous crosses or play it inside to Delph and Benteke and look for the one two so they can drive into the box and smash it goal wards, always driving at there defence, never giving them a moments rest when they are in possession. When we defend these two get back and make a strong midfield 5 not allowing there fullbacks to get anywhere passed the halfway line.

Benteke, a good outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Delph who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support form Mina and Berahino this is a very quick and powerul front three always driving as a trio at defenders with Pogba also in support.

When we have corners I want N'Koulou and Koulibaly up in the danger area as the two are big and powerful and will be a threat, also up for free kicks, Padoin will sit in a back 3 and Gomes just ahead of them in case of any break aways.

Captain - N'Koulou
Penalties - Benteke
Free Kicks - Benteke
Corners - Wide men

Subs
65 Mins El Ghazi on for Santiago Mina, fresh legs, skillfull and a pain in the erse to mark

Losing
H.Kane for Delph, he will move into an advanced role just off Benteke on 65 Mins

Icardi for Benteke and play a straight 4-4-2

85 Mins Berahino into a trio up front and Hector to LM, 3 at the back

Winning
Bazoer for Berahino on 80 Mins, he goes to Padoins role in the middle with fresh energy to tackle any new faces for them in the middle, Padoin moves to LM to support Hector

85 Mins Kane for Benteke

Drawing
Kane for Benteke on 75 Mins
Icardi for Delph on 80

Kane plays just off Icardi

-------------------------Nyland
Korb---------Friedrich--------Wimmer----Dudziak
----------------Stark-------------Weigl
Sisto-----------------Klaassen--------------Fischer
--------------------------Vietto

Subs: Rossbach, Kempf, Gaudino, Odegaard, Zivkovic

Corners: Sisto (Zivkovic)/Fischer
Pens: Vietto
Free Kicks: Fischer

My intentions are for my midfielders and forwards to pressurise the Basingstoke players and thus compress the spaces and time in which they have to play the ball, as the less time the Basingstoke players will have on the ball, the smaller the area they have to play into becomes. Also winning the ball as close to the Basingstoke goal as possible allows a more direct route to goal, increasing the chances of scoring.

The flipside to this kind of pressing is that it can be very tiring for the players doing it and so part of what I plan to make these tactics a success is that the players will know when to sit in front of the opposition and when to harass the opposition.

As seen in my substitution below I will always look to substitute a forward or winger after 80 minutes. They are the players that have to press the most, while the defenders, in theory, should barely have to.

The alternative of sitting back and letting the opposition have the ball will give my forwards an opportunity to recover for another period of pressing.

Our solid defence and midfield partnership of Stark and Weigl means we are happy to sit back and exchange long balls; it will allows our forwards to recover, but also force Basingstoke to alter their style. If long balls don’t work, Basingstoke are forced to try to play their way through, leaving gaps for my team to exploit on the counter-attack. In addition, the completeness that universality pushes towards means that the long balls will be realistic goal-scoring opportunities for Luciano Vietto.

In possession, my five man midfield make it easier to maintain possession – indeed, my 4-2-3-1 formation will naturally encourage passing triangles – and my players’ ability to interchange positions will make them difficult to track.

A run through of my players shows that everyone is capable on the ball or is able to play in a different position.

Nyland is an extremely gifted young keeper and his excellent distribution will also start many attacks for us.

Marvin Friedrich and Kevin Wimmer are calm and assured on the ball, with Marvin Friedrich able to play anywhere along the defence and Kevin Wimmer equally at home playing LCB or Left back. Julian Korb is known for his vision and short passing, and Jeremy Dudziak is extremely versatile and able to player higher up the flanks, or even in central midfield.

Niklas Stark and Julian Weigl and will play primarily defensive, with their main job being to win the ball back for the players in front of them, both are extremely comfortable on the ball and Stark in particular will often be seen lingering outside the opposition penalty area, ready to shoot.

These two players will go about their work with the utmost efficiency, if people aren’t talking about them then that means they are doing their job. Neither are afraid of putting in a firm tackle, and both are not only excellent interceptors but also very good recyclers and passers of the ball.

The front 4 are all adapt at playing in more than one attacking position, and when Vietto drops deep expect Klaassen to move forward, and likewise when Vietto drifts left/right, expect Fischer/Sisto to come more central.

Klaassen is comfortable with both feet on the ball and blessed with great speed of thought and action. He is an electrifying player with his pace and imagination.

Fischer has superb vision, good ball control, a confident dribbling ability and knows when’s best to accelerate with the ball, which is arguably much more important than having raw pace.

Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders.

Sisto's greatest assets are speed and unpredictability. Opponents seldom know what he will do, but whatever decision he makes, it most frequently turns out to be the right one, with his sharp dribbles and turns having echoes of Christian Eriksen. He also boasts a powerful right boot which makes him dangerous anywhere within 30 metres of goal.


Subs: Zivkovic on for Sisto (80th Min)

TAIWAN 4-2-3-1

A balanced 4-2-3-1, with players that will really attack the opposition, but more importantly will play a high pressing game in important areas of the park.

We come into this game in confidence, our overall results this season has given us that extra edge to believe that we can win this division.

Higuain will be key today, in fantastic form, he always scores important goals. Fabregas lines up in the CAM role behind Higuain, and their fantastic work-rate off the ball will be vital in ensuring we keep the opposition in areas they can’t hurt us. In addition, if the opposition utilises a deep-lying playmaker, we want Fabregas to do everything to nullify his threat.

We want our central trio to dominate possession, looking to control the game in the middle of the park. As we advance into the final third we will seek to attack down the wings, target their full backs.

Our formation ensures that the wingers offer cover against the oppositions full backs if they attack. And likewise, going forward the full backs and wingers work as a pair to double up on the opposition full backs.

——————————— Cech
Coleman — Barzagli — Glik — Shaw
———————— Alonso — Matic
Coutinho ————— Fabregas —————— Son
—————————— Higuain

Subs. Demichelis, Barragan, Ward-Prowse, Bellarabi, Dost

Building on a strong compact formation, we play with plenty of width, seeking to stretch the opposition, and attack down the wings. Alonso and Matic can stamp their authority in the middle of the park, offering the defence the protection it needs but more importantly orchestrating our play.

We attack with a high tempo, using the pace we having going forward. We will be direct in our attacking play in the opposition half, this coupled with our width will stretch the opposition. We seek to create spaces and gaps in the oppositions midfield, and defence allowing us to get Fabregas and Higuain in dangerous areas in the opposition third.

The formation is rigid in defence, fluid in attack. On each side one full back / winger keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Higuain and Alonso will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Higuain and Fabregas are key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and Alonso.

Generally short passes out from defence, a centre mid will look to pick up the ball and play it out wide, preferably to the full back getting forward. In the middle of the park we look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide, as we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half.

Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the full backs or wingers running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling the opposition defenders out of position. Coming inside we look to whip the ball in behind the opposition defence, or play a cute through ball. When going wide, if possible get to the by line at the 18 yard box, from there we have a greater chance of finding Higuain / Fabregas / opposite winger or Alonso at edge.

Defence.

Control the space. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.

The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch them out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them.

As soon as they move the ball out of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press.
Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Higuain, Fabregas and one of Coutinho / Son will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.

When their deep midfielders come deep to get the ball, Higuain and one of wingers / Fabregas shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and full backs will pick up their players.

Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as the opposition advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As the opposition advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.

Matic drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. His energy and reading will be best utilised in this position. Alonso and Fabregas in center mid. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover, particularly in the important central areas.

We always want at least one more defender than the opposition has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Matic, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.

Our full backs up against their quick wide forwards are to drop off more so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past the full back, there’s a chance to stop the cross.

Attack

Passing simple in our own third. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, look to find our wingers, using their pace to get in behind. Seek to target their full backs in the final third.

Generally direct going forward, in the opposition half we will always look to go forward and stretch the opposition where possible.

Fabregas will always look to find space in between the the opposition midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball, link up with others and look to create.

Higuain up top will play his natural game. He loves running at the opposition.

Subs. If winning after 75 mins bring on Ward-Prowse for Alonso. Fresh legs, and will help us dominate possession in a more reserved 4-3-3 with Fabregas dropping back into centre midfield.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Bellarabi for Coutinho. Right mid, offering fresh energy in defence and on the break.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ward-Prowse for Matic. Fresh legs to ensure we continue at a high tempo with Alonso becoming the defensive midfielder.
Same for losing after 75 mins.

BATTERSEA v Taiwan

--------------Subasic--------------

Montoya---Gabriel---Rami---Balanta

-------Vidal----Kondogbia-------

---Lucas---------------Teixeira---

--------Firmino---Alcacer--------

Subs: Fofana, Mandzukic, Murru, Sanson, Piatti

Captain: Rami
Pens: Vidal
Corners: Teixeira
Free kicks: Firmino

OVERVIEW

This week we’re going with a 4-2-2-2 to take advantage of Ludy’s depleted backline. The system is an homage to Brazil’s best teams of yesteryear… which is quite appropriate since half my bloody team is Brazilian. I want us to keep the ball fairly high up the pitch, but I don’t want any tiki-taka nonsense – this is based on a Brazil team, after all. Keep the ball moving with fast, snappy ground passes and plenty of movement and licence for creative flair in the front 4. When the counter is available, I was us to make full use of it, and I want us to press in short sharp bursts all over the pitch to enable us to win the ball back and make the counter an option.

To keep up the samba theme I’ve even arranged my individual instructions by the standard Brazil 1-11 squad numbers.

INDIVIDUAL

Number 1: Subasic (Keeper)
Playing behind a reasonably high line today so I’d like to see him being alive to balls over the top or behind the defence. Sharp off his line, big on crosses, distribute with a quick throw to a full back or a Vidal to start a counter.

Numbers 2 and 6: Montoya/Balanta (wing backs)
Brazilian-style full backs today, but with the added advantage of both being good natural defenders. Both are quick and full of energy so I want them getting up the pitch to offer an overlap (no need for both to go, the ball can’t be on both flanks at once) and offer an option for passing triangles out wide. I would imagine Ludy will play inside forwards so they won’t be attacking our full back positions too much.

Numbers 3 and 4: Gabriel/Rami (centre backs)
A nice partnership of styles in defence. Rami is the big, strong organiser (and he’s quicker than he looks). Gabriel is the rapid, aggressive hatchet man who can cover in behind when a ball is played over the top, although I don’t think there’s much danger of that given the lack of express pace throughout Ludy’s side. Keep a fairly high line, Gabriel to give the CF a horrible time, and as the quarto/libero he’s allowed to bring the ball out of defence a bit.

Number 5: Kondogbia (the volante)
The Brazil volante is a defensive midfield maestro. Kondogbia is the perfect man for the job. He sits in front of the defence and knobbles the Taiwan #10 before laying it off to a more talented and/or forward-thinking colleague. He can also move to the left or right to cover the full backs if they’re caught out.

Number 8: Vidal (the meia atacante)
Vidal is our box-to-boxer today. As I’d like us to retain possession and keep it moving quickly, his hustle and energy will invaluable in overloading and outmanoeuvring the Taiwan defence. He’s also a terrier in defence who can help cover a vacant full back position before bombing on.

Number 7: Lucas (the ponta direita)
Lucas is a winger, so he plays on the wing. With no Chiellini he could have a field day driving inside the LB (Shaw, presumably) and the LCB (could be the slow Barzagli or someone inexperienced). I want him using his pace to the full, offering a wide option to stretch the defence wide and giving lots of good, drilled low service to the forwards.

Number 11: Alex Teixeira (the armador)
Teixeira is the “clever” winger as opposed to Lucas’ more direct one. He can roam inside and switch around with Lucas and Firmino. He’s principally a playmaker, albeit a quick and incisive one. Movement and creativity are key. Roam off the flank and lose the RB before threading balls through to Alcacer or interchanging with Firmino to get in on goal.

Number 10: Firmino (the enganche)
The Pele position. Plenty of creative and positional licence to drop deep and create or play off the shoulder and get shots away. Key in keeping the ball moving nice and fast and dragging defenders all over the place. Will switch frequently with the #11 and less frequently with the #7.

Number 9: Alcacer (the centroavante)
The “proper” striker. Alcacer is quick and mobile, both essential for playing this system (which is why he gets the nod over top scorer Mandzukic). I want him to use his movement to lose the centre half and get in on goal for a through ball (principally from #11 and #10) or a low cross (principally from #7).


SUBS
If winning: Vidal off for Fofana, Alcacer off for Mandzukic, Teixeira off for Piatti (80 mins)
All like for like changes for fresh legs. Mandzukic is a more physical option to bully a tired defence. Firmino drops back a bit into more of a 4-2-3-1. Piatti will stay wide more than Teixeira did.

If losing/drawing: Mandzukic on for Teixeira, Sanson on for Kondogbia (80 mins)
Mandzukic goes up top and Firmino goes to the #11 position. Sanson slots into deep midfield for his ball-playing ability. Mandzukic gives us a physical option to enable a slightly more direct approach.


PEACE

SHAKHTAR SENSELESS v Little Horse

Injuries: Evans, Perisic, Pleguezuelo, van der Wiel, Clough, Samper
Suspended: De Rossi

-------------------Frey
Aurier - De Vrij - Pepe - Coentrao
----------------Khedira
------------Niguez - Xavi
Florenzi--------------------D.Suarez
------------------Costa

Subs: Raeder, Vermaelen, Cataldi, Munir, Origi

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

Time to get our promotion quest back on track with a tough game at home to Little Horse. We're playing our strongest side, with a couple of improvements compared to the previous setup. Like last week this game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points. They have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Khedira, Niguez and Xavi, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Florenzi at RW with D.Suarez at LW but both able to cut inside and get at the Little Horse defence with Aurier/Coentrao overlapping. Diego Costa upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.

Frey - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Costa.

De Vrij/Pepe - Pepe to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and De Vrij to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Aurier/Coentrao - Both of you to force the Little Horse wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Florenzi/D.Suarez as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Costa and link with Khedira/Niguez/Xavi. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Khedira - Playing as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Little Horse attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Niguez and Xavi, also look for Florenzi, D.Suarez or Costa making runs.

Niguez/Xavi - Both of you playing the box to box role, both assist the CB's and Khedira in dealing with the Little Horse attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Xavi to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Niguez to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Florenzi/D.Suarez - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Little Horse fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Costa with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Khedira/Niguez/Xavi, and capitalise on the space Costa's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Costa - you will be expected to occupy the Little Hors centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Niguez off, Vermaelen on. Switch to 4-5-1, Vermaelen to CB and Pepe as an extra DM alongside Xavi and Khedira as we shut up shop. Florenzi moves to RM with D.Suarez at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Xavi off, Munir on. Change to a 4-2-3-1, Khedira and Niguez sitting, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. D.Suarez at AM with Florenzi RW and Munir LW, more space for Aurier and Coentrao to get forward. Get closer to Costa to create chances.

If losing: De Vrij and Niguez off, Munir and Origi on. Switch to 3-2-3-2, Aurier - Pepe - Coentrao the back three, Khedira and Xavi the deep playmakers, Florenzi - D.Suarez - Munir behind a front two of Origi and Costa. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.

Fiorentina vs Gosport (4-1-4-1)

Injuries:
Sven van Beek
Alexis Zapata
Andres Iniesta
Luca Toni
Matija Nastasic
Suspended: Ivanovic

…………………………………Casillas…………………………………..
Maggio………………Dede…………Vidic……………..De Sciglio
…………………………………..De Jong……………………………..
Januzaj……………Inler…………….Yaya Toure……………Brandt
………………………………….Ibrahimovic……………………………..
Subs: Gordon, Badstuber, Besic, Locadia, Aarons

Away game today against a revamped Gosport who are now into their 3rd manager of the season, may as well rebrand the club as Watford for next season….Our first encounter was memorable for Lubo dropping Harry Kane in favour of Scott Sinclair, Rex has gone one further and sold him on…..no sure how rex will approach this game but he seems keen on a pragmatic 4-3-1-2, so with this in mind we’ve adopted a 4-1-4-1 which gives us a solid spine but also enable to be dangerous out-wide on the break.

Injuries have hit us hard this week as we lose Nastasic and Van Beek plus Ivanovic having a 2 game suspension for having the audacity to be bitten by donkey teeth..Iniesta is also a casualty of Welshy’s reign of terror.

Even as the away team, the impetus will be on us to go on and press for the win, this will be the case but by no means will we be gung-ho about it, a win is fantastic but looking at the bigger picture (Haak vs Ludy) a draw today will be seen as a decent result.
The Pro’s of this formation for today especially against a narrow midfield like Rex’s (if he lines up last week) are that we can match him man for man in the centre of the pitch but by having wingers and attackin full backs we can try and pull his players wide, thus enabling us to over-run the middle….

The only real weakness that I can foresee with this set-up is that one striker could be isolated but when that lone striker is Ibrahimovic I don’t really see that being too big an issue


Casillas – He knows his business…..still a good keeper and a very good shot stopper, our side is harder-working than it used to be so as such the defence now gets more protection, so should only really be troubled by first timers from distance, quick recycling of the ball is key today, whether that be going long for Ibra or wide to the full-backs, the key is to keep the ball

The Defence:

Gone back to a flat back four this week, not the quickest in the middle but we play a high line as we look to really press the pitch and dominate proceedings…when I say high line please don’t think kamikaze defending, because it isn’t it’s about knowing when to step up and push for offside and when best to sit off..Vidic and Dede are experienced enough to make that call when required, Maggio and De Sciglio are very fast off the mark so any cheeky chip over the defence can be dealt with by their Jordi Alba-esque tracking of the angled run

Dede/Vidic – Man –man marking today Gosport have clever attackers and haven’t been smashed by injuries, so if it’s Zaza and Gabbiadini as a central twosome then Vidic will go man-man on Zaza using his strength and know-how to shut the Tevez-esque Zaza out of the game..Dede will look to nullify the threat of Gabbiadini….If either Zaza/Gabbiadini are playing deeper or out-wide than the above is null and void as we go to a zonal set-up

Maggio/De Sciglio – Maggio has his detractors but as a flying full-back offering an attacking outlet he’s a quality player, him and De Sciglio will be given free licence to attack at will running the line and providing the over-lap for our “wingers” to cut-inside…Defensively both men are capable and will show the man the line forcing the cross or the pass backwards…. If rex goes narrow then they effectively become wing-backs allowing Januzaj/Brandt to operate further forwards

The Midfield:

This is where the game will be won or lost in my humble opinion, Rex will set-up to hold this ground as that’s where he strongest, BUT even without Iniesta we still come into this game confident of holding the middle and taking home the points….. all 3 men are comfortable on the ball and with De Jong deeper we have natural passing triangles as it can go forwards,sidewards or even backwards, it’s not possession for possession sakes but it’s clever use of the ball as we look to pull Gosport out of position before either hitting them hard and fast from a wide position OR steam-rolling them through the middle

De Jong – The deepest part of my centre-midfield but he’s not just the anchor-man he can move forwards helping us press Gosport higher up the pitch, the closer we win the ball to their goal the better for all of us, I expect Vazquez to play as Gosports #10 and he his De Jongs responsibility to silence by any means necessary

Inler – Not as defensive minded as De Jong but he’s still a real handful in the middle of the park, just play him and let him do his thing, can pick a pass or keep it simple, but has that hard edged roughness about him as he’ll look to get stuck into Gosport’s midfield

Yaya – One man wrecking ball when he’s on his top game, a real menace even when he’s not 100%, Big strong unit can over-run a midfield single-handedly let alone when he has Inler and De Jong for back-up….No-one in this team gets a free-pass defensively so will be expected to do his share of tracking, but it’s with the ball that he earns his pay (and birthday cake) we want him on the ball as often as possible making those surging runs forward linking with Ibra and carrying aside all those that stand before him

The Attack:

Nice mix of youthful energy and pace out-wide and experienced sheer power with a fair bit of finesse in the middle,

Brandt/Januzaj – two exponents of the modern trend of inside forwards replacing wingers, both are very quick and we’ll use that pace to our advantage as we attack out wide after pulling Gosport out of position in the middle of the pitch, both men will drift inwards when our full-backs run the line effectively giving us a trident in attack, In Ibra they have the perfect target man to feed off, whether it be knock-ons or one-twos…I want both men attacking the gaps between full-back and centre-backs, we need to turn this defence as often as possible, Maggio and De Sciglio will occupy the full-backs so we have the chance to over-run them as Rex’s midfield gets forced back-wards

Ibrahimovic – The talisman – Not normally a fan of one-up-top but in his case I can make an exception. Zlatan can do it all, whether it be stay up as a proper #9 or drop off deeper to receive the ball….it’s this ability to do the dirty work as well as the unexpected that makes him so crucial to our team…he brings others around him into play….


Set-Pieces:

Defensive:
All men in the box apart from Januzaj and Brandt who are on the half-way line for the counter, and De Jong who’s just outside the “D” to collect the secondary ball, This means not including Casillas we have six 6footer’s in the box which is more than enough to deal with any aerial ball in…..Maggio and De Scig will cover a post each….Dede, Yaya, Vidic and Ibra will pick a man each to deal with
Offensive:
Pretty much the reverse as Brandt and De Jong drop to the half-way line to stifle the counter-attack….. De Sciglio attacks near post, Inler attacks far post…Ibra gets in the face of the keeper using his massive frame to be a nuisance which frees Yaya, Dede and Vidic up to attack the ball as it comes in

Player Roles:
Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Corners: (both sides) Januzaj
Free Kicks –
Crossed in to the box – Januzaj
Shots at goal - Yaya

Substitutions:
Have every faith in this system so all subs are from 65 minutes regardless of score as we look just for fresh legs
Besic > De Jong
Aarons > Brandt
Badstuber > Vidic

------------------------Guaita------------------------
Clyne------Smalling--------Vlaar-----Bertrand
---------Schwein'----Carrick-----Fellaini--------
---------Silva---------Suarez-------Silva---------

(David left, Bernardo right)


BENCH
Lindegaard
Motta
Aranguiz
Mounier
Austin

This is our 'last chance' to get promoted. We need a 'treble' win to have any hope. But seemingly, the slots are always against us so the only way we can win is to dominate the game from the off and get all of the slots. All of them. Boss the possession, play attacking, passing football, constantly moving and look to rough up the kiddos from the start

They have the South American side, so it fair to assume they will look to play with pace. Their main players going forward look like Talisca and Ocampos, and then Vecino can attack, he likes to get forward. We expect the wingers to get narrow, and our full backs need to react to that by defending narrow, and with our three in midfield we have plenty of defensive cover.

Going forward, pass it quickly, the four behind Suarez all contributing, three players that can pass it and Fellaini scattering their defense.


PLAYER ROLES
Guaita - Don't let them score. Be quick off your line to gather balls if they try stuff in behind. If you hit a goal kick long, aim in Fellaini's general direction.
Clyne/Bertrand - Provide the side with width as our widemen will be looking to drift infield. Get forward but only one of you in the final third, the other should be in between the halfway line and final third area to ensure we have men if they counter.
Smalling/Vlaar - Look to hold a solid back four line just beyond the 18 yard box so that they can't play in behind.
Carrick - Shield the back four, ensure that you occupy the space just in front of the back four and ensure their most attacking midfield can't get in that space he will want to. When we have the ball, be the simple option to pass the ball to and play it on.
Fellaini/Schweinsteiger - Both of you should get forward when we have the ball as Carrick is holding. Fellaini, I want you higher up, run at their defense like a monster and scatter their back four, cause carnage for our other players to work with. You can attack these kids and get your head on everything. Schweinsteiger, hover around the edge of the area, just passing the ball around, run with it, take shots from range.
Silvax2 - You both have the same name and I didn't realise until I look up at my teamsheet now how nice it looks. Results person, just stop for a moment and look at that. Both of you, drift infield, look for pockets of space between their defense and midfield and pass the ball quickly, slip it in for Suarez, go to a full back, Schweinsteiger, simply back to Carrick. Options. Even do something crazy and chip it to the monster,
Suarez - The best player. Run with the ball, look for space in behind, in front, like a busy bee in the final third. You will get chances today with the men passing you the ball, there's no doubt about that. Fellaini will scatter the back four, you finish the job.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Silva (Silva)
Right Corner - Silva (Bernardo)
Free Kicks - Silva/Schwein/Suarez
Penalties - Suarez


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning - Motta and Aranguiz on for two CMs, shore up the midfield and win the game.
If drawing - Mounier and Austin for Bernardo Silva and Fellaini. Move to a 4-4-2.
If losing - Mounier, Austin, Aranguiz for Clyne, Bertrand, Bernardo Silva. Mounier and Aranguiz the widemen, Austin joining the strike force and Carrick to CB in a 3-5-2.

Remember: We must get all the slots to win the game. i.e. we must dominate from the off.