Basingstoke Tactics (4-4-2 diamond)

-----------------------Fabianski------------------
Johnson-------Zouma----Heylen-----Kurzawa
-----------------------Carvalho------------------
---------------Vilhena-------Ramsey-----------
----------------------Quintero-------------------
----------------Berbatov----Gayle-------------

Subs: Mersin, Gnabry, Kallstrom, Kramer, Grimaldo

Captain - Ramsey
Vice - Zouma
All FKs & Corners - Ramsey

Confidence is high at Burnley and after 3 wins on the bounce we believe we can beat anyone and are looking to make it 4! We've kept the same system as last week as it got a huge win and the extra man in the midfield means Carvalho can help the defence more whilst Zouma deals with Ibra. We will look to take control in the midfield, minimalising the opposition threat as they won't have the chance to get on top and get at us. Going forward our full backs are great athletes and will provide our width, while Gayles pace, power and movement will scare the defence. It'll spread them leaving more space for Berba, Ramsey, Quintero and Vilhena who are all great on the ball. It also means that if Arsenal try to play a high line, we will be able to get at them with Gayles pace in behind being a threat and some great players around him to play the final pass. All in all I believe it leaves all bases covered and will hopefully get the opposition playing into our hands however they try to set up. Personally we will be playing a high line as we have a pacey back line, which means we should be able to recover if beaten and will also allow us to press in the midfield and get on top of the defence, if this doesn't work and we're looking shakey we will drop 10 yards deeper to compensate.

GK - Standard stuff, he's a great shot stopper so needs to concentrate on his organisation skills and commanding of his area.

Full backs - Both are great athletes who can get up and down a lot. I want to see them both using their pace, stamina and power to get forward at every given opportunity. They're important for us to stretch the opposition allowing us more space in the middle where our dangerman can operate. They will be looking for the ball all the time. More vital than usual today as they will be the widest men for us throughout the game.

CBs - Zouma to play at the 'first knock defender', meaning he will be the one attacking the ball when it comes into the defence and generally going up against the attackers, which in this case is Ibra. Ibra is a beast but so is Zouma and hopefully he can match him - if he gets into Ibra quickly whenever the ball comes to him and rattles him, not letting him ever get the chance to settle on the ball and work his magic. This suits his game plan as he's a physical specimen and aggressive to match. Heylen will play a more reserved role, but equally important. He will be calling the line - we will be playing with a high line as we have the energy in the middle and the pace to recover if the line is beaten - and reading the game aiming to be able to cover the rest of the defence at the right times. These two are a great young defence defence, and compliment each other perfectly and could be one of the best partnerships around in seasons to come.

Carvalho - Huge role in todays game plan. He's a player no-one will want to come up against and I'm looking to him to disrupt the oppositions rhymth. When the FBs are back in position he will be rampant in the MF, protecting the back 4. When the FBs are back he will drop into the defence and offer them support in numbers as he has all the attributes to play there.

Ramsey and Vilhena - Get to play their natural game today. They will dictate the play from deep often and will play as a more traditional box to box CMs, almost like they're playing in a 4-4-2, just with Carvalho behind them. It's important that if Carvalho drops into defence Ramsey makes sure he's protecting the defence, but it's his natural game to sit from deep first and attack when the time is right, so we should be tough to break down, especially given his incredible energy levels which should make it extremely tough for the opposition to play the ball in the middle, especially with our high line. When the time comes he can break forward at a decent speed and he has a knack of popping up at the right time to get important goals. Essentially the midfield energy levels and intelligence are vital today, as it will give us a solid foundation whilst also allowing us to get numbers forward to trouble the opposition.

Quintero - He's settled into the team now and I'm trying to get him playing his natural game and letting his talent flourish. Him, Vilhena and Ramsey will be the ones on the ball most often. He has license to come deep and pick the ball up if he likes and drive forward with it, but most of all I want him getting into the gaps left by the Arsenal midfield. They're not the most defensive midfield and have no natural anchorman, so there will be space for Quintero to exploit, and when he has the ball in this positions he can do it all - pick passes, beat men or hit them from distance. This variation will make him incredibly difficult to stop and will make the team less predictable as a whole. If people get drawn to Quintero, he can find the runners exploiting the space. If people back off him, he can drive forward or hit a twonker from range.

Gayle - Key role today as he is going to be our main outlet for the midfield, aside from the full backs. He basically has a free role today, allowing him to attack the opposition from anywhere along our front line. He can find the weaknesses and expose them, his movement will be key in giving us a more direct threat and giving the Arsenal defence something to think about, meaning they can't just push high and press us in the midfield. I have no doubt in his huge ability and I'm giving him the chance to be the game changer today, I truly believe he'll come through for me, given his real life form of late and obvious ability.

Berbatov - Just want him to play his natural game today, drifting into places where the defence don't know whether or not they should be picking him up. Holding the ball up and bringing players like Ramsey, Quintero, Vilhena & Gayle into play with his great all round play. And perhaps most importantly, getting into the area at the right times to show his composure in front of goal and get us the goals to win, which is what he does so well, time and time again.

Subs - 70 mins - Grimaldo & Kramer on for Kurzawa & Vilhena

Both changes are like for like, just to give us fresh legs and allow us to keep up with the style of play we want, whilst having genuine quality coming off the bench

Week 9:

------------------------Enyeama---------------------------
----------Kouyate----Mascherano----Omerou-----------
Baker---------------------------------------------Oczipka
----------------Samper------------Pirlo-------------------
------------------------Halilovic---------------------------
---------------Robben----------Immobile-----------------

Subs: Abidal, Rosicky, Britton, T. Hazard, Wilson

Squad: Areola, James, Britton, Perrey, Lawrence, Schöpf, Suliman, Rowe, Robert, Lingard

Injuries: Janko, Luisao, Ondoa, Roberts

Enyema takes his place in goal, he's and ever present at club and international level and has the experience needed to command his defence. He'll be looking to claim aerial balls and play the ball out to feet rather than hitting it long.

We're moving to a back 3 this week, consisting of Kouyate, Mascherano and Omerou. All 3 players are mobile, comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back. They're also very strong and able to win the ball back by putting pressure on the opponents attackers. Mascherano will almost be playing like a sweeper, perfect cover for the other two centre backs.

Baker and Ozcipka will take up the wing back roles. Both players have high stamina and a good range of passing. They'll be able to get up the wings tirelessly contributing in both defence and attack.

Samper and Pirlo will take up their midfield roles. Pirlo will set the tempo of our play, he'll make the passes that make us tick, slowing the game down if we're under pressure or being more direct if the counter attack is on. Samper is an energetic box to box midfielder (who is also accustomed to sitting deeper if needs be). He'll bring the ball out or pull players away to create space and gaps for Pirlo.

Halilovic will take up the number 10 role, he'll have the freedom to move from one side of the pitch to the other to open up pockets of space and receive the ball. He's quick with a low centre of gravity so he'll be able to take the ball and turn quickly before feeding the ball through to the forwards or out into wider areas where the wing backs will be pushing on. He will be key in working with the wing backs.

Immobile leads the line with Robben working off of him. He's young and quick with an eye for goal, who's also very good with the ball at his feet. Robben will play a role he had huge success with at the world cup. He'll play just off of Immobile and will be key in breaking through our opponents defensive line.


We're set up to be more attacking this week, without leaving too many gaps at the back. We want to move the ball about the pitch, making our opponents chase the game. We have players right through the spine of the team that can hold the ball under pressure and make decisive passes.

Our wing backs will look to use Halilovic as much as possible but will also look to fizz low crosses across the box for our forwards to run onto an attack.
We want to vary between crossing and playing through our opponents. When playing through the likes of Halilovic, Robben and Immobile's movement is very important. Samper will also be just behind the ball so will be an option backwards if an attack breaks down and we have to start again.

We want to press our opposition and not make it easy for them to give and receive the ball. Our aim is to dominate possession of the football, though we won't pass for the sake of passing. Our play is designed to open up spaces in the opposition and exploit it when cracks do appear. We have the pace and the vision to do this effectively.

Captain: Pirlo
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Pirlo


Subs after 75 mins if losing/drawing:

Move to 4-1-3-2

Baker off for T Hazard
Pirlo off for Wilson
Samper off for Abidal

Ome--Kou--Abi---Ozc
---------Masch----------
Rob------Hal------Haz
------Imm----Wil

If winning:

Halilovic off for Rosicky
Britton on for Pirlo

fresh legs and experience to see the game out

Notts County tactics vs Barcelona

------------------------------Scuffet----------------------------------

Darmian---------Manolas-------Stones----------Bernat

Januzaj----------Iturraspe-------Thiago-------------Depay

----------------------------Lopes----------------------------------

----------------------------Alcacer---------------------------------

subs: Romagnoli, Aranguiz, Ibe, Diaz, Zivkovic

Game Plan: We're switching things up this week with a big tactical change, moving away from our high line and fast pressing game and moving more towards a counter attacking philosophy utilising our immense pace out wide and up front. Speed of thought, speed of movement, speed of passing. Very little is as important as speed to counter attack; we have to catch the opponents backpedaling and undermanned and imperative to this is a fast tempo, we have the ability and pace in the side to go from our own area to the opposition area in 3 or 4 passes and just a few seconds.

Scuffet: very intelligent young goalkeeper, will command his area, very good under the high ball and from crosses, when he has the ball will look to release the ball quickly into wide areas to begin counter attacks, Schmeichel Style

Defence: The importance of the defence in a counter attack is two-fold: first, they must be strong and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, Manolas and Stones are both very quick and very good in the air and possess great concentration levels as they must be forever vigilent of runners from midfield and out wide into the channels, Darmian and Bernat also possess great pace and tenacity in the challenge as well as excellent positional sense, they will look to stop crosses in the wide areas and must also watch the runs of the wide players if they look to make a move inside. The entire back 4 must be in constant communication with each other. Secondly the defence must be able to start attacks from deep, and Manolas and Stones are both very accomplished with the ball at their feet and have a great passing range, while Darmian and Bernat both possess the pace to transition quickly into attack and support the wingers on the overlap.

Midfield: The midfield is the link between defence and attack, as ever, but their role is even more important in a counter attack. Our 2 defensive midfielders Ander Iturraspe and Thiago Alcantara give us extra solidity in front of the defence, as ever, but they also serve a higher purpose in that they will force Barca's wingers to go wide by denying them space to cut into. Since we have big, aerial defenders, this is exactly what we want as we can trust our defenders to win the ball and use their ball skills to play it out nicely. Both Thiago and Iturraspe while defensively very disciplined and strong are also very accomplished ball players and are able to start attacks from deep, they will look to use the ball quickly and effectively, they have 4 very quick and intelligent runners ahead of them.

Attack: The most important thing about the four forward most players is that they have the speed and movement to make each attack count, and this is certainly the case with Januzaj, Depay, Lopes and Alcacer. Paco Alcacer is a very intelligent player, who will have litte to no defensive responsibilty in open play, instead he will have to be aware of when the ball is turned over and then use his movement and pace to create space and cause havoc amongst the defence of Barca on the counter attack. Marcos Lopes as the attacking midfielder will also not have a great deal of defensive resonsibility, he is a player that oozes flair, composure, decision making, creativity, passing, technique, pace and dribbling, he will use all of these attributes to create chances either for himself or the other forwards, the pace and movement of Alcacer will open up through ball opportunities for Lopes and he has the skill to execute these chances. Januzaj and Depay will have defensive resposibilty, they must look to drop back and help in wide areas and look to pick up clearances from our own box, they have the pace and energy to then get up the field quickly and transition into attack, they have very intelligent movement and can move inside or stay wide and look to stay on the defence's blind side.

Subs: Jordon Ibe for Adnan Januzaj 70 minutes, straight swap, very quick player, with excellent dribbling ability and goal scoring potential against tired Barcelona defenders.

If losing/ drawing after 70 minutes, Richairo Zivkovic for Marcos Lopes, go to 4-4-2, Zivkovic is a very intelligent runner off the ball and will create space for others, we will also look to press higher up the pitch and become more expressive and risky in our attacking play, much higher tempo and quicker passing.

Captain: Thiago Alcantara
Freekicks: Memphis Depay
Pens: Memphis Depay
Corners: Marcos Lopes

Fishguard Sports
Captain: Blind
Corners: Fischer/Andersen
Free kicks: Andersen
Pens: Klaassen

----------------------------------Rajkovic
Veltman-------------Reyes----------------Ake---------------Boilesen
-----------------------------------Blind
-------------------------Gaudino
-------Andersen-----------------------Hojbjerg------------Fischer
-----------------------------------Klaassen

Starting: Rajkovic, Veltman, Reyes, Ake, Boilesen, Blind, Gaudino, Andersen, Hojbjerg, Fischer, Klaassen
Subs: van der Hart, Bruma, Haye, Sinkgraven, Muhren




The first point to make about the players I have selected for this evening’s game is that they are all extremely comfortable on the ball. It is essential that this is the case as physically we are not the strongest team, but in terms of technical ability we have much quality.

In my opinion the position of defensive midfield is the key to all I want to achieve. For parts of the game Daley Blind will fill this position, but for stretches of the game it will be Gianluca Gaudino – this I will explain below. As touched upon we do not possess an ‘enforcer style’ defensive midfielder, however instead we possess two players who are equally excellent at intercepting opposition passes and quickly recycling the ball, doing both with unequalled composure.

Now the question is; why do I need two players who can play at DM?

I’m going to play what appears to be a standard back four, with Blind sat in front of the two centre backs. However, whilst Veltman, Reyes and Ake will need to follow a ‘defence first mentality’ I am going to use Boilesen for far more offensive purposes.

When Boilesen is advanced I will move Blind into the LCB position, with Gaudino becoming the DM, and Nathan Ake coving LB for the absent Nicolai Boilesen.

Boilesen has licence to combine with Fischer to terrorise the right hand side of Blyth Spartans’ defence. Both players have blistering acceleration, searing pace and the aim is to concentrate on exposing any weaknesses on that side of the pitch time and time again. I really want to stretch the right hand side of their defence by using the pace of Boilesen down the line, allowing Fischer to cut in and do some serious damage. From there Fischer has a) licence to go at goal himself b) look to combine with Klaassen to create goal scoring opportunities.

This all means that I can hammer their right sided defence but remain with 4 defenders and a defensive midfielder at all times.

When we are defending and Boilesen is back in position then Blind as DM will have both Gaudino and Hojbjerg as outlets ahead of him, when Gaudino is playing at DM then he has Hojbjerg or the Boilesen/Fischer combo as his main forward outlets (see notes on Andersen also).

However, Gaudino or Blind can also play backwards if necessary as all of the defenders are happy to be on the ball as we look to recycle and concentrate on looking to get the ball to our left hand side and back up the pitch.

At some point Blyth will have to react to our relentless torture of the right hand side of their defence. At which stage, we’ll look to bring Andersen more into play. Whilst at times Andersen will appear to be a spare leg, this is far from the truth. If Blyth try to cover the weakness in their right – then I’ll want to see beautifully weighted long balls from Blind or Gaudino over to Andersen on our right hand side and he can go direct towards the goal at pace. A box of tricks, screaming pace – he’s the threat that they won’t see coming.

Hojbjerg is young (like the rest of our team) but he’s a leader, and he has the important job of making sure that Blind/Gaudino have a forward option to play the ball whenever possible. He can then look to play Boilesen in, or look for a killer through ball into Klaassen or Fischer. He can also defend well, so if we’re becoming swamped then he can provide support to Gaudino.

Whilst Klaassen playing as CF is best known as an attacking midfielder, which is good – as he’s prepared to drop deep if we’re losing the midfield battle, and with Fischer cutting in from the left hand side he’s not always going to be the most advanced player. However, when Boilesen/Fischer – or Andersen are on the attack – he can leave waste to the opponents defensive midfielder and put immediate pressure on the centre backs, who best not be caught ball watching as Fischer/Andersen close in on them. Klaassen combines well with both of these 2 players, clever movement, quick tidy interplay, lethal when in sight of goal.

Barcelona Team and Tactics:

--------------------Iralzoz-----------------

Arbeloa---Martinez—Distin----Balenziaga

---------De Marcos--------Tiago------------------

Cuenca-----------Kishna--------------Tello

-----------------------Aduriz---------------------

Subs:
San Jose, Giovani, Sigthorsson, Watt, Unal


Corners: Kishna/Tello
Freekicks: de Marcos/ Tello
Pens: Aduriz
Captain: Tiago

Game Plan:
Today we intend on playing a game of keep ball and quick 1, 2’s with pace when the opposition come and get the ball off us and get break forward quickly.

Jobs:

Iralzoz:
His job is to play the ball out from the back and get the ball going down field quickly. When coming to stop the ball from going into the net he’ll block every shot and anything that comes towards him. When defending set pieces just thump the ball out of the box or just catch it.

Balenziaga and Arbeloa:
These two are to get the ball off Iralzoz or our Centre backs and play neat 1, 2’s with our wingers and get the ball down the field as quickly as possible. When getting down to the attacking third of the pitch, get balls into the box and in for our creative players to get on the end of. When off the ball press the opposition players off the ball and tackles are welcome to stop balls getting into the box. Right should De Marcos head forward these two will stay back in our half and not venture forward, just to protect us at on the wings against counter attacks.

Distin and Martinez:
Get the ball down and play it forward to our CM and FB’s and Wingers. When off the ball press the opposition’s front players off the ball and tackles are welcome to stop the opposition players from getting through on our goal. Distin will win everything in the air and Martinez just needs to get the ball out of the box, even to Row Z if needs be.

De Marcos and Tiago:
Tiago will be the one sitting this week and will put last ditch tackles in to stop the opposition players getting a run into our box. When on the ball with his vision Tiago will pick out our more creative players with his passes. De Marcos will be the legs going forward and will collect the ball from deep and get forward playing cute but quick 1, 2’s with our more forward thinking players. Tiago and de Marcos are also encouraged to press the opposition off the ball. Should our full backs head forward de Marcos will not be allowed to head forward and Tiago will slot in between our CB’s to avoid been done on the counter attack. However, when our full backs are back he’ll just sit in front of our CB’s.

Kishna, Cuenca and Tello:
These three will look to get beyond our strikers and get goals from breaking from deep. All three will have shots at the opposition goal as well from in or outside the box. But coming from deep they’ll also get the ball off our defensive players and break forward quickly with the pace they all have. When off the ball we welcome pressing and helping our defensive players against the opposition.

Aduriz:
He’ll come deep looking for the ball and when he does that the three behind him will be busting a vessel to get into the box. We also want him to get into the box and score goals when the ball comes to him in the box. When off the ball we want him hounding the life out of the opposition defenders and get the ball off them.

Subs:
If losing or drawing:
Unal on for de Marcos (65 mins): We go 4-4-2 with Watt joining Aduriz up front.
Giovani on for Cuenca (70 mins) – not like for like Kishna will go out to the right and Giovani will took in with Tiago and break from deep going forward in the centre.
San Jose on for Aduriz (75 mins) – going back to 4-2-3-1, with Martinez moving into a DM position and San Jose in the back four and Unal leading the attack.

Winning:
Unal on for Aduriz (75 mins)
Watt on for Cuenca (80 mins) – like for like.
Giovani on for Kishna (80 mins) – like for like.

Arsenal tactics

-----------------------------Bravo------------------------------
Jara----------De Vrij--------------Fernandez-----------Cole
-------------------Silva----------Gago--------------------
---------Joaquin------Cabella---------Quaresma
------------------------Ibrahimovic--------------------

Subs: Aranzubia, Naldo, Diaby, Coman, Drogba

General: We think that the game will be won/lost in midfield and we need to try and dominate that area. We will be more physical centrally and but we need to pass the ball with fast tempo and intention to be direct at goal. We will be chasing down every ball in packs and pressing them in midfield. We will not give them any space to stop and think about their passing. We shall be all over them and have been training hard to keep this up for 90mins. Zlatan will also be on his toes when not on the ball to press but he will lead the line and will be well supported by our talent midfield to win. We organised well at the back and disciplined with experienced defenders.

Defence.
We are up for this and De Vrij will be vocal and organise the back 4. Both CBs will be covering each other and be aggressive in the air for sets pieces attack and defence. The full-backs experienced enough to know when to tackle and when to stay with their man. Both to be ushering their wingers to the touchline and stay goal side. The fullbacks are to help our wingers in attacks and overlap for decoy runs or pin back their full backs. They will be assisted by Silva who will staying as a DM and more of an enforcer to our midfield.

Midfield
Silva will be sitting above our defence and will be battling it out with their midfield and making sure his presence is felt with crunching tackles and harrying their midfielders who should have no time on the ball. Gago will be assisting him defensively and closing down players centrally. Both to be pressing one at a time so we dont lose our shape and get caught out with a clever pass. Joaquin and Quaresma are providing the width and they are specifically instructed to target their full-backs and be direct when 1 vs 1. They possess the skill and guile to take them on and to create a chance for Zlatan or go for goal. Both to also help defensively by pressing the midfield and nick the ball for a quick counter attack. Cabella will be very busy assisting Zlatan and staying as high as possible to give our attack more options. Cabella is great in finding the killer pass and knows that Zlatan will receive it and shoot on sight. Cabella will be pressing the defence and making sure that they play long balls so we can get the ball back and start attacking with fast tempo.

Forward
Zlatan is our lone striker but will be very well supported by our midfield and wide players. Zlatan to make a nusiance of their defence and take up positions that will disjoint their defence and create space for Cabella and co. Zlatan has the licence to shoot at sight from anywhere. Defensively, press the ball and stay as high as possible when we have possession.

Subs: Coman for Cabella 75mins. Coman's pace to be a huge problem for tired defenders and he will be playing further forward and being direct towards goal.

75mins. Diaby for Gago. More energy and fresj legs in midfield and Diaby has a knack charging forwards and creating chances with his skill set.

----------------Ochoa

Janmaat--Kalas----Yepes---Balanta

----------Gerrard--Aguilar

----------------Lallana

------Origi----------------Volland

----------------Cahill


Maguire
Silva
Ignjovski
Ramos
Leckie


Our team for today is set up in a way that will lead to a strong, direct attacking style of play. Defensively we have a strong unit that will work well as a team and in midfield we are set up in a way that will compensate for each players strengths and weaknesses.

As a back four we will defend as a team. Versatility is key and a number of our players can play across the defence. We will play a flat back 4 when the other team is on the ball. Not being drawn out of position but still harrying their attackers. It is key to isolate their players and as a result mean they cannot play good football. When on the ball Janmaat will be allowed to attack the opposition and support Origi down the wing. When this is the case Balanta will come inside and we will play with a flat 3 at the back. If Janmaat is caught out of position Aguilar will drop back into CB and Kalas will cover him at RB. on the ball we must be comfortable at playing from the back and being patient with our build up play. All members of the defence are capable passers and it is key that they utilise this to start attacks from the back.

Gerrard and Aguilar will work as a well oiled machine in the midfield. Both are very capable on the ball and will look to start quick attacks. Aguilar has the energy to compensate for Gerrard's lack of it and it will be his role to provide the dynamism in the centre of midfield. Aguilar will also look to Harry the opposition midfielders when they are on the ball, forcing them into mistakes.

Lallana will look to play the free role in midfield providing attacking runs to peg back the opposition midfielders and find space for the other attackers. His runs will be intelligent and he will look to press them into submission to creat space.

Origi and Volland will use a blend of pace, guile and power to run at the defence and create space for Lallana. Cahill will play a unique form of target man, dropping back to draw the opposition centre backs out of position for Origi and Volland to exploit.


Substitutions



If losing/drawing/winning

Ramos on Cahill off 65 minutes

Play with more power up front.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

GW10 BLYTH vs Colchester (4-3-3)

........................Reina.....................
De Sciglio......Vlaar.....Rugani......Rojo
........................De Jong...................
...............Delph............Gauld.........
Zaza............................................Insigne
.........................Crouch........................

Subs: Neto, Maldini, Palombo, Borges, Neilton

Capt: Vlaar
Free kicks: Insigne
Corners: Insigne
Pens: Insigne

After 3 straight draws and Blyth going from title contenders to also rans, Tino looks to shake things up with 4 debutants and a more traditional system in place.
Colchester are a good solid team but we're not going to worry about them the side that lines up for us is selected for their own individual talents and with that in mind we aim to ask more questions of Colchester and give them something to worry about. This side has a very well balanced blend of youth and experience with pace in abundance.

Reina - comes in for his debut today, cool calm and collected in goal, may have the odd crazy moment but all top keepers are slightly mental aren't they?
fantastic shot-stopper and very vocal his defence will know who's the boss. on his toes and quick to come off the line a fantastic addition to the club.

De Sciglio - another debutant, young Milan starlet linked with moves to Madrid, 13 caps to his name at just 21. Very very solid defensively but a great outlet going forwards with a good engine will look to get up and down the right hand side as often as possible linking up with international team-mate Simone Zaza running the over-laps and banging in crosses for Crouch to attack as well as allowing Zaza to cut inside. Defensively strong in the tackle and at 6ft tall a big lad for a full back will look to get to grips with Colchester's left winger, has the pace to out-run him but will show him the line rather than dive in un-necessarily. Will stay back for set-pieces to cover Vlaar/Rugani as they go up.

Vlaar/Rugani - fledgling partnership has done well for Blyth so far this season. Vlaar runs a tight ship and will be vocal talking Rugani through the game. We expect Lubo to play one up top if that's the case then he's Vlaar's man. Big strong and made of Iron Vlaar will fancy his chances in any physical encounter and quicker than he's given credit for. Rugani (Serie B defender of the year last season) will be the spare man, he's responsible for winning the "second ball" comfortable in possession will step out of the defence shortening the gaps between Def and Midfield. as normal both men will go up for free-kicks/corners.

Rojo - 3rd debutant for Blyth today. Should compliment De Sciglio perfectly,We were very impressed with our scouting of him at the World cup, seems an absolute nutter and will fit in lovely with the others. Like De Scig has free licence to push on and force Colchester's own wide-men backwards, will link up well with Insigne and his presence out wide will allow my lil wizard the option to move infield and cause havoc more centrally. Rojo seems to have an aggressive streak about him that I have no intention of curbing, He has been booked 21 times and sent off on four occasions in just his last 49 appearances (according to Goal.com) has the pace and power to get back at his man if his lunge misses but I don't expect him to miss often, Unlike De Scig he will also go up for set-pieces as he has a rasping shot from distance.

De Jong - The Enforcer, with this man everyone is fair game and I really wouldn't wanna be Colchester's attacking mid today. forms part of a well mixed central 3 that offers us power,pace and guile. NDJ will sit infront of the defence and provide a one man shield. Half way is his limit as he covers the marauding runs of De Sciglio and Rojo, in possession will keep things neat and tidy as we look to control the centre of the pitch and thus the game

Delph - Fresh from making his England debut, Fabian has all the attributes to be a top class box-box midfielder, good range of passing decent engine and pace and has goals in him, De Jong may be the general but Delph has an important role to play today supporting the attack and trying his luck from distance as well as dropping back when we lose the ball and getting stuck in to their runners from midfield. He has the ability to do the dirty work and all good teams need players like that in their side If he performs his role well today it'll go a long way towards us getting the 3 points we badly need.

Gauld - A bit of a luxury player to be honest but I think as a central 3 we can carry that. defensively he's not great so we remove a lot of that responsibility by covering him with Delph and NDJ, Where Mini-Messi does warrant his place in our midfield is when we have the ball, as he's almost legally a midget he has a very low centre of gravity and teamed with a fantastic burst of speed makes him a tricky opponent to get the ball off, runs with his head up and always picks the right pass. Will be given the freedom to roam almost like a number 10 (but don't tell Lorenzo) linking the midfield and the attack making late runs into and around the box, Naturally both footed means he can turn either way without losing momentum and drawing desperate tackles from Colchester's wrong-footed defence

Zaza - The final debutant for Blyth this week. Comes in to replace Sassuolo team-mate Domenico Berardi who left to join the wingers graveyard that is Park's Stockport. Squat and direct (although he's another 6 footer) reminds me a lot of Tevez, full of bustle a defenders nightmare as he'll be swarming all over them getting in their faces with his Mr T style Mohican. Left footed playing RW means he can cut inside and link up with his team-mates whilst De Sciglio runs the line for him. Made his Italy debut in the week in a 2-0 win over the Dutch (sorry Welshy) and didn't look out of place. Like Rugani is Juve owned I expect big things of him

Insigne - The real number 10 Manager's shouldn't have favourites my players are like my children and I love them all equally but him I love more. Right footed left winger, will look to play more as an inside forward as Rojo steams up and down the line like a pendolino train (may have robbed that likeness about Cafu) There is nothing Lorenzo can't do on a football pitch. Expect lovely little interchanges with him and Gauld as they look to expose the lack of pace in Colchester's defence with low flat angled passes drawing them out and then over-running them.

Crouch - Where Gauld is a midget, Crouch is a giant...he has his critics but he plays a vital role for us. Big and strong fantastic in the air but has surprisingly quick feet and a good touch for such a big man. Will be the perfect target-man for my team to build their attacks around, a real threat from any balls into the box and full backs and wingers pinging balls into him from the touch-line as well as from deep at all kinds of angles, Colchester's defence have better strengthened their neck muscles this week. Crouch will play with his back to goal a fair bit today holding it up for Zaza and Insigne as well as Gauld and Delph running into the box late. At times we should have 5 attackers in their box (Zaza,Lorenzo,Delph,Gauld and Crouch) attacking crosses from our full-backs and scrambling for any loose balls.
defensively Zaza and Insigne will track back towards the half-way line as we effectively become a 4-5-1...Crouch will not come back but will do enough to stay onside and be our out-ball

Generally the team will play fast paced direct football with a higher line than normal due to the pace of our full backs to cover..this will squeeze the pitch and force Colchester to attempt to play through us. The midfield 3 are comfortable on the ball so we can retain possession and slow things down to give our 4 widemen a breather as and when required.

Subs 65 mins regardless. No real game changers so these will be like for like fresh legs

Borges > Gauld. Celso had a good world cup for Costa Rica and I think this change will be much muchness good engine and full of running helps us with high pressing to see the game out

Palombo > NDJ - one anchor man for another, nothing else changes

Neilton > Zaza - The new Neymar comes on, Quick and direct will look to terrorise tiring legs in the Colchester defence

The end.

Basingstoke Tactics (4-4-2 diamond)

-----------------------Fabianski------------------
Johnson-------Zouma----Rekik-----Kurzawa
---------------Carvalho-----Ramsey-------------
Gnabry-------------Quintero------------Boetius
-----------------------Armstrong------------------

Subs: Mersin, Heylen, Vilhena, Kramer, Bellerin

Captain - Ramsey
Vice - Zouma
All FKs & Corners - Ramsey

After a frustrating but unlucky defeat last weekend Basingstoke will be going back to what we know and getting back to basics. As usual we will play a high line trying to get into the Fishguard midfield and get them rattled and get ourselves on the ball. With our fast defence we should be fine to get away with this, but if we're struggling we won't be rigid and we will drop 10 yard deepers if necessary. Our midfield has the perfect balance for me, Carvalho is strong, positionally aware and brilliant at protecting the defence as well as winning the ball and giving it to the better players. Ramsey alongside him all can do it all, while Quintero is the key to unlocking defences. Quintero will often be the key - if Fishguard play deep he will be the main player looking to unlock the defence and if they play a high line the pace of Gnabry and Boetius will be incredible dangerous with Quintero and Ramsey hitting balls in behind. Huge game for Armstrong too, but we'll get to that later.

GK - Standard stuff, he's a great shot stopper so needs to concentrate on his organisation skills and commanding of his area.

Full backs - Both are great athletes who can get up and down a lot. I want to see them both using their pace, stamina and power to get forward at every given opportunity. They're important for us to stretch the opposition allowing us more space in the middle where our dangerman can operate. They will be looking for the ball all the time. Vital to stretch the opposition.

CBs - Zouma to play at the 'first knock defender', meaning he will be the one attacking the ball when it comes into the defence and generally going up against the attackers. This suits his game plan as he's a physical specimen and aggressive to match. Rekik will play a more reserved role, but equally important. He will be calling the line - we will be playing with a high line as we have the energy in the middle and the pace to recover if the line is beaten - and reading the game aiming to be able to cover the rest of the defence at the right times. These two are a great young defence defence, and compliment each other perfectly and could be one of the best partnerships around in seasons to come.

Carvalho - Huge role in todays game plan. He's a player no-one will want to come up against and I'm looking to him to disrupt the oppositions rhymth. When the FBs are back in position he will be rampant in the MF, protecting the back 4. When the FBs are back he will drop into the defence and offer them support in numbers as he has all the attributes to play there.

Ramsey - Gets to play his natural game today. He will dictate the play from deep often and will play as a more traditional box to box CM, almost like he's playing in a 4-4-2, just with Carvalho slightly behind him. It's important that if Carvalho drops into defence Ramsey makes sure he's protecting the defence, but it's his natural game to sit from deep first and attack when the time is right, so we should be tough to break down, especially given his incredible energy levels which should make it extremely tough for the opposition to play the ball in the middle, especially with our high line. When the time comes he can break forward at a decent speed and he has a knack of popping up at the right time to get important goals. Essentially the midfield energy levels and intelligence are vital today, as it will give us a solid foundation whilst also allowing us to get numbers forward to trouble the opposition.

Quintero - He's settled into the team now and I'm trying to get him playing his natural game and letting his talent flourish. Him and Ramsey will be the ones on the ball most often. He has license to come deep and pick the ball up if he likes and drive forward with it, but most of all I want him getting into the gaps left by the Fishguard midfield. They're not the most defensive midfield and have no natural anchorman, so there will be space for Quintero to exploit, and when he has the ball in this positions he can do it all - pick passes, beat men or hit them from distance. This variation will make him incredibly difficult to stop and will make the team less predictable as a whole. If people get drawn to Quintero, he can find the runners exploiting the space. If people back off him, he can drive forward or hit a twonker from range.

Gnabry and Boetius - Key role today as they are going to be our main outlets for the midfield, aside from the full backs. Whilst both have license to drift inside or swap wings, basically looking for weaknesses in the opposition defence, they still have defensive duties to perform. So it's important they keep an eye on each other and make sure between them both flanks are covered and they are willing to track back and help the defence.

Armstrong - Huge, huge game today for a talented but inexperienced player. He's an old fashioned CF so I want him to play his natural game, holding the ball up when we need it but generally just getting into the box and attacking the ball whenever possible. For this reason we will be getting more balls into the box than usual as Armstrong is a handful and will give the opposition CBs something to think about and won't let them settle. Essentially it's likely he will get a few chances come his way and I want him to keep his composure and not let the occasion get to him and show his ability.

Subs - 65 mins - Bellerin & Vilhena on for Gnabry & Quintero

Both changes are like for like, just to give us fresh legs and allow us to keep up with the style of play we want, whilst having genuine quality coming off the bench. Bellerin to stick to the right hand side and offer protection for the RB as naturally he is one, although he's more accomplished going forward than defending so far.

75 mins - Kramer for Carvalho - like for like in the middle to keep our pressing game at a high tempo.

Fishguard Sports
Captain: Blind
Corners: Fischer/Daehli
Free kicks: Eriksen
Pens: Eriksen

----------------------------------Rajkovic
van Beek-----------Veltman----------------Blind---------------Boilesen
---------------------------------Christensen
-------------------------Gaudino
-------Daehli-----------------------Hojbjerg------------Fischer
-----------------------------------Eriksen

Starting: Rajkovic, van Beek, Veltman, Blind, Boilesen, Christensen, Gaudino, Daehli, Hojbjerg, Fischer, Eriksen
Subs: van der Sar, Bazoer, Scholl, Tankovic, Jovic




The first point to make about the players I have selected for this evening’s game is that they are all extremely comfortable on the ball. It is essential that this is the case as physically we are not the strongest team, but in terms of technical ability we have much quality.

In my opinion the position of defensive midfield is the key to all I want to achieve. For parts of the game Andreas Christensen will fill this position, but for stretches of the game it will be Gianluca Gaudino – this I will explain below. As touched upon we do not possess an ‘enforcer style’ defensive midfielder, however instead we possess two players who are equally excellent at intercepting opposition passes and quickly recycling the ball, doing both with unequalled composure.

Now the question is; why do I need two players who can play at DM?

I’m going to play what appears to be a standard back four, with Christensen sat in front of the two centre backs. However, whilst van Beek, Veltman and Blind will need to follow a ‘defence first mentality’ I am going to use Boilesen for far more offensive purposes.

When Boilesen is advanced I will move Christensen into the LCB position, with Gaudino becoming the DM, and Daley Blind coving LB for the absent Nicolai Boilesen.

Boilesen has licence to combine with Fischer to terrorise the right hand side of Basingstoke Town’s defence. Both players have blistering acceleration, searing pace and the aim is to concentrate on exposing any weaknesses on that side of the pitch time and time again. I really want to stretch the right hand side of their defence by using the pace of Boilesen down the line, allowing Fischer to cut in and do some serious damage. From there Fischer has a) licence to go at goal himself b) look to combine with Eriksen to create goal scoring opportunities.

This all means that I can hammer their right sided defence but remain with 4 defenders and a defensive midfielder at all times.

When we are defending and Boilesen is back in position then Christensen as DM will have both Gaudino and Hojbjerg as outlets ahead of him, when Gaudino is playing at DM then he has Hojbjerg or the Boilesen/Fischer combo as his main forward outlets (see notes on Daehli also).

However, Gaudino or Christensen can also play backwards if necessary as all of the defenders are happy to be on the ball as we look to recycle and concentrate on looking to get the ball to our left hand side and back up the pitch.

At some point Basingstoke will have to react to our relentless torture of the right hand side of their defence. At which stage, we’ll look to bring Daehli more into play. Whilst at times Daehli will appear to be a spare leg, this is far from the truth. If Basingstoke try to cover the weakness in their right – then I’ll want to see beautifully weighted long balls from Christensen or Gaudino over to Daehli on our right hand side and he can go direct towards the goal at pace. A box of tricks, screaming pace – he’s the threat that they won’t see coming.

Hojbjerg is young (like the rest of our team) but he’s a leader, and he has the important job of making sure that Christensen/Gaudino have a forward option to play the ball whenever possible. He can then look to play Boilesen in, or look for a killer through ball into Eriksen or Fischer. He can also defend well, so if we’re becoming swamped then he can provide support to Gaudino.

Whilst Eriksen playing as CF is best known as an attacking midfielder, which is good – as he’s prepared to drop deep if we’re losing the midfield battle, and with Fischer cutting in from the left hand side he’s not always going to be the most advanced player. However, when Boilesen/Fischer – or Daehli are on the attack – he can leave waste to the opponent’s defensive midfielder and put immediate pressure on the centre backs, who best not be caught ball watching as Fischer/Daehli close in on them. Eriksen is also well known for his goal scoring efforts outside the penalty box, and I am happy to encourage him to do this if he thinks that he is in prime position to do so. Eriksen also combines exceptionally well with players around him - Fischer in particular, so expect lots of clever movement, quick tidy interplay as we look to take apart the Basingstoke defence.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Arsenal

-----------------------------Bravo------------------------
-Arias--------Fernandez-------De Vrij------Van Anken
--------------------Silva-----------Xavi---------------------
-Haddadi----------------Cabella----------------Perisic--
-----------------------------Drogba----------------------------

Subs: Aranzubia, Naldo, Gago, Quaresma, Joaquin

General: High tempo, High energy, quick transition from defence to attack and very direct. We are playing the top of the table and we want to show this league that we can beat them with the quality we have. We are employing players that have pace to burn and in Drogba we have someone who will win the battles with his strength and can bully any CB's so we will use his asset and work with it serial pace like Munir and Perisic. We have a great balance in midfield with Silva who is an enforcer whilst Xavi will be looking top dictating the game with forward passes, long and short. We have to keep our energy high as we know we have a good team on our hands but we shouldn't let them have any time on the ball. We want the ball and we shall press that midfield and make them lose the ball and when we have it, we go at them hard and direct. We try and get crosses in to as we know Drogba will dominate. We defend just out the area as we dont want to give them space behind or play too deep.

Defence
Bravo will be vocal to the defenders and shout out to players who are not in line or can't see a player running on their blind side. Bravo is very aggressive on set pieces and stay big 1v1s. We have tall CB's and as well as young, they have the experience of playing in big games and can match athletically as well as physically. Both CB's to cover each other and the full-backs will be making sure that they don't dive in their tackles. All defenders will stay on their feet and anticipate the ball and stay goal side at all times. We expect to defend at times but we all trust each other to come out on top and defend our goal. Offensively the 2 CB's to go on set-pieces and the full-backs to stay back.

Midfield
Silva the most discipline of our midfield and will be guarding our defence. He will be helped defensively by Xavi who will press the midfield and our wingers who will support our full-backs when we are defending. Both central players will get the ball forward quickly and directly to Cabella and co. We want the ball moving constantly and make sure the ball is distributed quickly. The wingers we believe have the beatings of the opposition's full backs so both Munir and Perisic will drive at them.Cabella to also help defensively and press the defence and midfield so we give them no time and space whatsoever. Cabella to stay close to Drogba and on free-kicks, he should expect Drogba to win the headers and stay beyond Drogba to get the flick ons. Both wingers should also use the width of the pitch and send in crosses if Drogba is 1v1 in the area as we expect him to come out on top. Cabella to try and feed in Drogba or go it alone of Drogba creates space for him. Munir and Perisic can also switch if they find joy on the other flanks.

Forward
Drogba poses a different threat to Zlatan so we need to utilise his strengths by crossing the ball when he has space to run and jump. Drogba leads the line and will use his physical size to muscle defenders in the air and to create space. He will be well supported by Cabella and the wingers.

Subs: Quaresma for Perisic 75mins (same role)

Notts County tactics vs Sek Lions

------------------------------Scuffet----------------------------------

Darmian---------Manolas-------Romagnoli----------Bernat

Januzaj----------Iturraspe-------Thiago-------------Depay

----------------------------Meyer----------------------------------

----------------------------Alcacer---------------------------------

subs: Riedewald, Diaz, Lopes, Mastour, Zivkovic

Game Plan: We're switching things up this week with a big tactical change, moving away from our high line and fast pressing game and moving more towards a counter attacking philosophy utilising our immense pace out wide and up front. Speed of thought, speed of movement, speed of passing. Very little is as important as speed to counter attack; we have to catch the opponents backpedaling and undermanned and imperative to this is a fast tempo, we have the ability and pace in the side to go from our own area to the opposition area in 3 or 4 passes and just a few seconds.

Scuffet: very intelligent young goalkeeper, will command his area, very good under the high ball and from crosses, when he has the ball will look to release the ball quickly into wide areas to begin counter attacks, Schmeichel Style

Defence: The importance of the defence in a counter attack is two-fold: first, they must be strong and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, Manolas and Romagnoli are both very quick and very good in the air and possess great concentration levels as they must be forever vigilent of runners from midfield and out wide into the channels, Darmian and Bernat also possess great pace and tenacity in the challenge as well as excellent positional sense, they will look to stop crosses in the wide areas and must also watch the runs of the wide players if they look to make a move inside. The entire back 4 must be in constant communication with each other. Secondly the defence must be able to start attacks from deep, and Manolas and Romagnoli are both very accomplished with the ball at their feet and have a great passing range, while Darmian and Bernat both possess the pace to transition quickly into attack and support the wingers on the overlap.

Midfield: The midfield is the link between defence and attack, as ever, but their role is even more important in a counter attack. Our 2 defensive midfielders Ander Iturraspe and Thiago Alcantara give us extra solidity in front of the defence, as ever, but they also serve a higher purpose in that they will force Lions wingers to go wide by denying them space to cut into. Since we have big, aerial defenders, this is exactly what we want as we can trust our defenders to win the ball and use their ball skills to play it out nicely. Both Thiago and Iturraspe while defensively very disciplined and strong are also very accomplished ball players and are able to start attacks from deep, they will look to use the ball quickly and effectively, they have 4 very quick and intelligent runners ahead of them.

Attack: The most important thing about the four forward most players is that they have the speed and movement to make each attack count, and this is certainly the case with Januzaj, Depay, Meyer and Alcacer. Paco Alcacer is a very intelligent player, who will have litte to no defensive responsibilty in open play, instead he will have to be aware of when the ball is turned over and then use his movement and pace to create space and cause havoc amongst the defence of Lions on the counter attack. Max Meyer as the attacking midfielder will also not have a great deal of defensive resonsibility, he is a player that oozes flair, composure, decision making, creativity, passing, technique, pace and dribbling, he will use all of these attributes to create chances either for himself or the other forwards, the pace and movement of Alcacer will open up through ball opportunities for Meyer and he has the skill to execute these chances. Januzaj and Depay will have defensive resposibilty, they must look to drop back and help in wide areas and look to pick up clearances from our own box, they have the pace and energy to then get up the field quickly and transition into attack, they have very intelligent movement and can move inside or stay wide and look to stay on the defence's blind side.

Subs: Hachim Mastour for Adnan Januzaj 75 minutes, straight swap, very quick player, with excellent dribbling ability and goal scoring potential against tired Lions defenders.

If losing/ drawing after 70 minutes, Richairo Zivkovic for Max Meyer, go to 4-4-2, Zivkovic is a very intelligent runner off the ball and will create space for others, we will also look to press higher up the pitch and become more expressive and risky in our attacking play, much higher tempo and quicker passing.

Captain: Thiago Alcantara
Freekicks: Memphis Depay
Pens: Memphis Depay
Corners: Max Meyer

Week 10:

-------------------------Areola-------------------------
Janko----------Luisao-------Omerou---------Oczipka
-----------------Masch----------Pirlo-------------------
Robben--------------Halilovic-------------------Green
-----------------------Immobile------------------------

Subs: Baker, Rosicky, Britton, Wilson, S. Ramirez

Squad: Ondoa, Kouyate, Abidal, James, Perrey, Lawrence, Schöpf, Robert, Lingard, Roberts, Afobe

Injuries: Hazard, Enyeama, Samper, Rowe, Suliman

Areola takes his place in goal, he's a young and exciting keeper currently out on loan in Ligue 1 from PSG. He's gone in straight away as first choice and loan club SC Bastia.

Luisao and Omerou take up the CB spots. They're very strong and able to win the ball back by putting pressure on the opponents attackers. Luisao is the leader at the back, he'll command the defence and bark the orders. Omerou has plenty of pace to cover if needs be.

Janko and Ozcipka will take up the wing back roles. Both players have high stamina and a good range of passing. They'll be able to get up the wings tirelessly contributing in both defence and attack.

Mascherano and Pirlo will take up their midfield roles. Pirlo will set the tempo of our play, he'll make the passes that make us tick, slowing the game down if we're under pressure or being more direct if the counter attack is on. Mascherano will sit deeper as the defensive midfielder marshalling the area in front of the defence.

Halilovic will take up the number 10 role, he'll have the freedom to move from one side of the pitch to the other to open up pockets of space and receive the ball. He's quick with a low centre of gravity so he'll be able to take the ball and turn quickly before feeding the ball through to the forwards or out into wider areas where the wing backs will be pushing on. He will be key in working with the wing backs.

Robben and Green will play in the wider areas, they'll have the freedom to drift inside and out (with Halilovic moving the other way) when we attack.

Immobile leads the line. He's young and quick with an eye for goal, who's also very good with the ball at his feet.


Our game plan this week see's us go back to the familiar 4-2-31. We have a strong CB partnership pairing with two young energetic fullbacks either side. Mascherano will operate as the defensive midfielder screening the back 4 with Pirlo just in front pulling the strings through his passing and picking up intelligent positions. The 3 in front will consist of Robben, Halilovic and Green. All 3 players are capable of interchanging so it will be difficult for the opposition to pick up and mark any of them. Immobile will play as the forward, he's movement will be key in opening up pockets of space in and around their penalty area.

When out of possession we want to drop back into position and press the ball when the opposition enter our half of the pitch. They can play it around all they like in their own third. We want to draw them out so there will be space for us to counter attack into. On the counter we will look to move the ball out via Pirlo, with Halilovic a link between our wide men and the Italian. When Robben gets the ball especially, he will look to beat his man and get a shot off, or duck the other way and fizz balls in for Immobile to attack in the centre and Green coming in at the far post. Halilovic will pick up a position on the edge of the area.

When in possession of the football we want to pass the ball in triangles, pulling their players here and there creating spaces for our AM's to thrive in. Pirlo will look to use the spaces created to move the ball forward. He'll have Halilovic coming for the ball to feet and the wide men look to run in behind players to receive a pass.

Captain: Pirlo
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Pirlo


Subs after 75 mins if losing/drawing:

Rosicky on for Halilovic
Baker on for Pirlo
Wilson on for Green

We'll move to a 4-1-2-12

-----Masch
Ros--------Bak
------Rob
-Imm------Wil

This should free Robben from any wide markers and give Immobile support upfront with Wilson. Baker will add plenty of energy to get up and down the pitch with Rosicky no slouch either.

If winning:

Rosicky will come in for Halilovic
Ramirez for Immobile

TAIWAN

4-2-3-1

_______________________Navas____________________
Coleman_______Musacchio_____Laporte_________Shaw
_________________Can_________Alonso_____________
Ward-Prowse___________Barkley____________Bellarabi
_____________________Di Natale___________________
SUBS: De Sanctis, Kolasinac, Hendrix, Promes, Drmic

Captain: Antonio Di Natale
Right free-kicks: James Ward-Prowse
Left free-kicks: James Ward-Prowse
Penalties: Antonio Di Natale
Right corners: James Ward-Prowse
Left corners: James Ward-Prowse

GEGENPRESSING is a highly-organised approach and will be our approach to regaining possession and minimising space for the opposition. My opponents are rapidly closed down by well-rehearsed, co-ordinated pressing movements, often by two or more players, allied with intelligent positioning to restrict space for opposition to pass and move into. The best moment to win the ball is immediately after after my team just lost it. Once we have regained possession, the transition from defence to attack will be explosive. We will be an attacking team. Aim is to move the ball around efficiently and with purpose, with many forward passes and none of Spain’s useless sideway passes. Play on the counter if dominated, but move the ball around when they sit back. Passing will be quick and intelligent, players moving into space and plenty of interchange between the three attacking midfielders. Team will look at the striker as the focal point with attacking midfielders running off and beyond him, linking up efficiently. When defending Ward-Prowse and Barkley will drop back to help, Bellarabi stays up as the out ball and Di Natale prepared for anything lumped up to him. Team must attempt to block shots at all times. Deep defensive line. * When defending we will play two banks of four and be compact leaving little space in between the lines. So when defending we will go into this mode:

Ward-Prowse - Can - Alonso - Barkley
Di Natale - Bellarabi

And when we get the ball we will look to set loose the speedsters up front with the whole team pushing up a bit to at least outside our 18 yard box and switch back to our normal formation.

Navas:
Claim crosses if possible. Always clear lines and play safe, take no risks. Looks to set off counters with his distribution.

Musacchio and Laporte:
Deals with opposition attackers. Laporte keeps an eye on their attacking midfielder when he gets close to the 18 yard line. Laporte will also mark their striker closely not allowing him space to turn. Laporte or Can will deal with knock-downs to their supporting player depending on who is closer. Musacchio will try and win headers when long balls are played towards the back line. Musacchio will also clean up any balls / players who manage to get past Laporte. Laporte will be the centre half who steps up and clears up balls before it reaches their attackers, but must only go if he’s 100% sure he’ll get it. Go up for corners. If in the event that an attacking midfielder / second striker is not played then Koscielny will just have to deal with the midfield runner but not get dragged too far out of his defensive line.

Coleman and Shaw:
Coleman will be disciplined for this match, but when we get the ball and whoever the opposition manager plays goes on one of his inside runs Coleman will look to overlap Ward-Prowse and run into the box. Coleman and Shaw both will show the opposition wide players to their weak foot, threat weakens when they are shown away from goal. Both will sit back when without the ball, but Shaw will bomb forward when the opportunity arises. Main aim is to provide width and provide extra bodies in midfield to link up play. Stays back for corners. Must not commit to tackles otherwise wingers will skip past them, just stay close, limit their space and show them onto their weaker foot.

Can and Alonso:
Sits deep, breaks up play and snap at their heels. Can is an engine that can cover a lot of ground when defending. Can will hardly ever go past the half-way line. Alonso will buzz around and dictate play, bursting forwards at times to provide an extra body in attack. Alonso will be a bit ahead of Can to be more involved in exchanging passes with full backs / Barkley, even going level with Barkley at times to use his incredible vision to find teammates. Alonso will need to make himself a goal threat with his late runs into the box in this match. Can stays close to the centre halves. Both sprays balls wide to fullbacks when they get forward. Stays back for corners. Will not allow the opposition any time on the ball in front of centre halves. Can sticks to position when fullbacks fly forwards, providing cover if needed. Alonso drops deeper when this happens.

Ward-Prowse, Barkley and Bellarabi:
Will constantly swap positions with each other. Will look to thread through balls to Di Natale and exchange passes with each other. Constantly drifting in and out of position, into space to make it difficult to mark. Can cross when out wide. Ward-Prowse should always track back to help the fullbacks and midfield when defending. Barkley can burst past Di Natale and shoot if needed. Constantly runs at their defence. All will press the opposition when without the ball. Ward-Prowse will be drifting inside a lot and because he has stamina of six men he will therefore chase down the ball a lot and aim to create when he gets the ball. In this match when we don’t have the ball I will need Bellarabi to sit on their deep lying midfielder and disrupt him from running forwards. When Coleman gets forward during his rare forward runs Ward-Prowse will attempt to find him at the far post for Coleman to knock the ball across goal for Di Natale Bellarabi Barkley to knock in, with Ward-Prowse arriving late to gobble up possible rebounds. They will also try and double up on a full back if required (like Robben and Ribery both attacking the same fullback).

Di Natale:
Holds up the ball, brings the three attacking midfielders into play. Play on the shoulder of the last man, always sets himself at the far post for crosses. Will keep the centre halves occupied. Will chase down opposition centre halves when they have the ball.

SUBS:
Winning/Drawing:
75 mins: Barkley OFF Hendrix ON
Hendrix replaces Barkley and we go 4-3-3 with Hendrix dropping back into DM behind Can and Alonso. We will then aim to keep the ball for as long as possible even if we have to do pointless sideway passing but if space opens up, work the ball forwards to try and create a chance.

Losing:
75 mins: Can OFF Drmic ON
Go 4-2-4 with Di Natale Drmic centre Ward-Prowse right Bellarabi left. Barkley supports, Tielemans holds and sprays passes from deep. All out attack, have to go level at least if not win it. When we lose the ball Ward-Prowse goes central to provide support in centre mid and Drmic goes to the right to provide that outlet. Switch back when we have the ball. Both full backs go forwards in turns and we will squeeze them back into their 18 yard box. Our CBs will not stick too close to the striker in case they get turned, Laporte will be ready to chase back towards goal while Musacchio will position himself to nick the ball off the attacker as soon as he gets it. Whatever second attacker from the opposition will be watched by the full back staying back depending on which side.

Scored the goal(s) to get all three points / to win the tie ONLY AFTER the Drmic change:
Whatever minute: Di Natale OFF Kolasinac ON
Whatever minute: Bellarabi OFF Promes ON
They’re gonna pen us back whether we like it or not, so we will go 5-4-1 with Kolasinac slotting into a back 5. Barkley will come into the centre along with Tielemans with Ward-Prowse right and Promes left, Drmic up front. Promes will provide the counter attacking threat when we win the ball back and him and Drmic will break at their (supposedly) abandoned defence. This is not me playing defensive football voluntarily, this is the opposition forcing us into our box like we would’ve forced them into theirs and me providing a counter measure to this situation.

SOCKSUPPORT COUNTY vs. FC Mother's Pride

----------------------------Forster-----------------------------
Clyne---------Fonte---------------Ginter--------Blackett
---------------Clasie---------------Schneiderlin-----------
------------------------------------------------------------------
-Deulofeu---------------Berardi----------------Draxler---
---------------------------Lambert-----------------------------

Subs: Horn, Lascelles, Muric, Reed, Ings

Tactics -

Some say football's a game of two halves, I say it's only two halves if you split it in the middle to make it 2 separate pieces. I'm doing that split, to make this a game of two halves - But! (controversially) I'm not playing by the standard 'ooh a game of two halves in terms of time', I'm playing a game of two *geographical* halves (henceforth names Geolves).

(Real tactics start here...) The back 6 will be a fairly deep, tightly connected unit. Sitting back and close together to diminish space in the centre, Pride's wingers (oh who am I kidding, I mean Robben, not the other one whoever that is) are at their most dangerous when they cut inside onto their strongest foot. By keeping space tight and forcing the ball out wide we negate a major (only?) danger.

The front four won't be asked to do any defensive duties, if the back six sitting deep and thick can't stop Pride, there's very little these four can be expected to do to help out. Instead they will be given free rein to break at pace as soon as the back six win the ball. Lambert will act as the target man, knocking balls on or down for the pace of the attacking three to get in behind Pride's defence.

At this point, I expect any casual readers will have stopped reading, so I'll offer a bribe at this point. If I win, I will casually mention how great you are 4 times a day for the next 9 days.

Defence - Like I said, very deep to counter the pace that Pride's attack possesses, if we're sat on, or just in front of, the 18 yard line, there's no way we can get caught by a ball over us, and any burst of pace that carried an attacker away from the defence will bring the ball straight into Forster's territory. As such, Forster is being asked to be very quick off his line (as oppose to staying on the line to give himself more time to stop a shot) he needs to get out quickly and mop up any forward forays that break the lines.

The FBs need to be very narrow, working within the width of the penalty area, forcing the wingers out wide and onto their weaker foot. I'm not saying it will kill off Robben's game, but it certainly takes a hell of a chunk out of it.

The two DMs in front of the defence need to take up space just in front of the CBs, and move out wide (not to tackle, but to possess the space that a winger might want to cut into). In effect, the DMs need to pressure areas of the pitch, forcing the wingers to choose between going wide into the space, or cut inside into a pack of bodies.

Considering the defensive tactics are forcing the ball to the byline, we expect a fair few crosses coming in, but Ginter, Fonte and especially Forster are huge lads all more than capable of dealing with anything in the air. However, other tactic-doers have said that the danger could come from low crosses, so, one of the two DMs needs to follow the ball across and sweep up anything on the ground - If Clasie goes out to pressure, Schneiderlin drops back and clears the penalty area and vice versa. Their lower centre of gravity and better footballing ability should eradicate this problem.

When clearing the ball, look to go long to Lambert, or cut out the middle man and get it into space behind the defence for the pacey attacking three to move onto.

Attack -

The front four as I said, have no defensive duties (bar those that come naturally to having a high attacking line - i.e. keeping the defence from stepping up and joining the attack).

The 3 AMs should try and stay narrow and target the two CBs, or work in pairs to outnumber a FB. It's a numbers game up front, we can either go 4-2 in the middle, or 2-1 out wide.

The attacks need to be lightening quick. A long ball to Lambert needs to be immediately knocked down to feet, or knocked behind him for others to run on to. So long as there are runners as soon as the header has been made we should get players in behind Pride's defence (be it from the knock on, or a through ball following the knock down).

Ultimately, it's about getting runners moving into space, and the ball instinctively being sent there - There may be a fair few failed or unseen runs, but it only takes 2-3 to go right to win this game.

Subs -

Losing/Drawing -

60 - Ings on for Lambert - Offers more pace to really hurt Pride on the break.

Winning -

60 - Ings on for Berardi - Simply reintroducing some fresh, incredible, pace into the attack. The defence has a relatively 'easy' job in terms of stamina, so shouldn't need replacing, the attackers will get tired, so Ings coming on late will ensure the attack keeps up momentum.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Notts County tactics vs FC Pride

------------------------------Scuffet----------------------------------

Darmian---------Manolas-------Romagnoli----------Bernat

Januzaj----------Iturraspe-------Thiago-------------Depay

----------------------------Meyer----------------------------------

----------------------------Alcacer---------------------------------

subs: Stones, Aranguiz, Neves, Mastour, Zivkovic

Game Plan: We're switching things up this week with a big tactical change, moving away from our high line and fast pressing game and moving more towards a counter attacking philosophy utilising our immense pace out wide and up front. Speed of thought, speed of movement, speed of passing. Very little is as important as speed to counter attack; we have to catch the opponents backpedaling and undermanned and imperative to this is a fast tempo, we have the ability and pace in the side to go from our own area to the opposition area in 3 or 4 passes and just a few seconds.

Scuffet: very intelligent young goalkeeper, will command his area, very good under the high ball and from crosses, when he has the ball will look to release the ball quickly into wide areas to begin counter attacks, Schmeichel Style

Defence: The importance of the defence in a counter attack is two-fold: first, they must be strong and able to withstand a great deal of pressure, Manolas and Romagnoli are both very quick and very good in the air and possess great concentration levels as they must be forever vigilent of runners from midfield and out wide into the channels, Darmian and Bernat also possess great pace and tenacity in the challenge as well as excellent positional sense, they will look to stop crosses in the wide areas and must also watch the runs of the wide players if they look to make a move inside. The entire back 4 must be in constant communication with each other. Secondly the defence must be able to start attacks from deep, and Manolas and Romagnoli are both very accomplished with the ball at their feet and have a great passing range, while Darmian and Bernat both possess the pace to transition quickly into attack and support the wingers on the overlap.

Midfield: The midfield is the link between defence and attack, as ever, but their role is even more important in a counter attack. Our 2 defensive midfielders Ander Iturraspe and Thiago Alcantara give us extra solidity in front of the defence, as ever, but they also serve a higher purpose in that they will force Pride's wingers to go wide by denying them space to cut into. Since we have big, aerial defenders, this is exactly what we want as we can trust our defenders to win the ball and use their ball skills to play it out nicely. Both Thiago and Iturraspe while defensively very disciplined and strong are also very accomplished ball players and are able to start attacks from deep, they will look to use the ball quickly and effectively, they have 4 very quick and intelligent runners ahead of them.

Attack: The most important thing about the four forward most players is that they have the speed and movement to make each attack count, and this is certainly the case with Januzaj, Depay, Meyer and Alcacer. Paco Alcacer is a very intelligent player, who will have litte to no defensive responsibilty in open play, instead he will have to be aware of when the ball is turned over and then use his movement and pace to create space and cause havoc amongst the defence of Pride on the counter attack. Max Meyer as the attacking midfielder will also not have a great deal of defensive resonsibility, he is a player that oozes flair, composure, decision making, creativity, passing, technique, pace and dribbling, he will use all of these attributes to create chances either for himself or the other forwards, the pace and movement of Alcacer will open up through ball opportunities for Meyer and he has the skill to execute these chances. Januzaj and Depay will have defensive resposibilty, they must look to drop back and help in wide areas as the fullbacks will be tucked in, Robben in particular is a real danger and must not be allowed space to move inside Januzaj and Depay will also look to pick up clearances from our own box, they have the pace and energy to then get up the field quickly and transition into attack, they have very intelligent movement and can move inside or stay wide and look to stay on the defence's blind side.

Subs: Hachim Mastour for Adnan Januzaj 75 minutes, straight swap, very quick player, with excellent dribbling ability and goal scoring potential against tired Lions defenders.

If losing/ drawing after 70 minutes, Richairo Zivkovic for Max Meyer, go to 4-4-2, Zivkovic is a very intelligent runner off the ball and will create space for others, we will also look to press higher up the pitch and become more expressive and risky in our attacking play, much higher tempo and quicker passing.

Captain: Thiago Alcantara
Freekicks: Memphis Depay
Pens: Memphis Depay
Corners: Max Meyer

Iturraspe & Depay suspended Mex - you can change them

Ok I'll change Itturaspe for Ruben Neves, with Ryan Ledson on the bench and Depay for Jordon Ibe

Tactics vs Andover week 12


--------------------------------Pereira-----------------------------------

Darmian----------Stones-----------Manolas-----------Bernat

------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------

------------------Thiago------------Aranguiz------------------------

Meyer------------------------------------------------------Depay

-------------------------------Alcacer--------------------------------

subs: Yedlin, Neves, Mastour, Zaza, Diaz

Game plan: our plan today is to go at Andover from the off,our second game of the season and after defeat last time out everyone will be fired up and raring to go. We will look to press high up the pitch and condense the space in the midfield. Successful pressing is dependant on group understanding, collective perception of ball, opponent and team mate, and a massive amount of hunger and desire to have the ball. It isn’t possible to press for 90 minutes. We will have to pick our times wisely in order to do it successfully. If our players are tracking back or not close enough to the ball it isn't sensible to press the ball, we will look to capitalise on poor passes by the opposition or when a player is facing his own goal or has his head down when receiving the ball, at these times to opposition player does not have a full view of the pitch and cannot pick a forward pass.

In possession we will have many lines of players in order to create easy triangles for the players on the ball, the player on the ball should always have at least 2 passing options, the full backs will also go forward creating an almost 3-4-3(2-3-2-3)formation when in possession, this reverts to a 4-1-4-1 formation when we lose possession.

In Possession

------------------------Stones-------Manolas------------------

Darmian---------------------Iturraspe--------------------Bernat

-----------------------Thiago-------------------Aranguiz------------

Meyer-----------------------------------------------------------Depay

----------------------------------Alcacer-----------------------------

out of possession

Darmian-------------Stones------Manolas-----------Bernat

-------------------------------Iturraspe-------------------------------

Meyer-----------Thiago------------Aranguiz---------Depay

---------------------------------Alcacer----------------------------------

Joel Pereira: very young, but a fantastic goalkeeper, excellent shot stopper and very confident coming off his line, will look to release the ball quickly in order to start attacks, when he gets the ball the full backs will push forward and the centre backs will spread out offering themselves for the pass, will only go long if there is no other option.

Defence: as has been spoken about in the game plan section, the full backs will look to push up the field when we are in possession creating the multiple lines across the pitch which is the basis of our possession philosophy. The central defenders will look to stay close to one another when out of possession, the full backs will also tuck in leaving little room in the centre of the pitch as Andover will look to do most of their attacking through the middle, while the midfield and attack will cover the defence of the wide areas, this is not the specific job of one player as we are playing in a fluid system, it will be whoever is available to do the job at that point in time, our players have great discipline and concentration to perform in this system.

Midfield and Attack: Ander Iturraspe will by and large stay in position in the holding role in the midfield. He will look to snuff out space for the opposition attacking players, and always be available for a pass when we are in possession, possesses great strength and is a very tidy user of the ball. The 4 midfield players in front of Ander will play very fluidly, and as has already been stated they will look to press the opposition when the time is right, all 4 possess good pace and stamina and are able to get up and down the pitch.

Thiago and Aranguiz will get up and down the pitch throughout, both are very quick and very creative and can carry the ball. Both will look to move the ball quickly, as will the whole team, we will play with a high tempo throughout the game not giving Basingstoke any breathing space, without the ball they will look to pressurise the opposition in the centre of the pitch, but as spoken of earlier, only when it is sensible, no point doing it willy nilly and being picked off, we need to be very wary of the runs and movement of Andovers midfield and give them as little space and time as possible, this will be key to winning the match.

Adnan Januzaj and Memphis Depay will look to move wide when in possession, both have the ability to run at the opposition and will look to move inside at times and take the opportunity to shoot and link with Alcacer they both have the pace and movement to make runs beyond Alcacer in the centre forward positions, we are playing a very fluid system and will not just be looking to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so their movment, pace and runs into the channels will be crucial in creating space and chances during the 90 minutes. When Depay and Januzaj do move inside, Darmian and Bernat will look to provide the outlet wide with overlapping runs.

Alcacer will play as the centre forward for us today, his pace, movement and energy suits the change in the way we are going to play, he will look to roam across the pitch, dragging defenders out of position which will leave space for the other attackers and our midfield to benefit from, as stated previously in the tactics he is part of the fluid front 5 we are playing with today so will pop in different areas of the pitch on occasion, we are not just going to throw the ball into the box at every opportunity so his running of the channels and his technical ability are crucial in the way we want to play.

Substitutions: Simone Zaza for Charles Aranguiz and Ruben Neves for Paco Alcacer on 70 minutes, switch to a midfield diamond, and look to keep the ball and be more patient in possession, the fullbacks Darmian and Bernat must now push higher up the pitch to provide the width

------------------------------Iturraspe----------------------------

-------------------Neves--------------Thiago--------------------

--------------------------------Meyer-----------------------------

------------------Depay---------------Zaza----------------------



Captain: Thiago
Freekicks: Thiago
Penalties: Thiago

SOCKSUPPORT vs. Andover

--------------------------Forster--------------------------
Clyne---------Veltman-------Fonte-------------Durm
----------------------Schneiderlin-----------------------
--------------Rakitic-------------Hughes---------------
---Berardi----------Lambert--------------Draxler----

Subs - Horn, Lascelles, Reed, Gallagher, Ings

Tactics -

General - Very balanced approach, the forwards should be enough to do damage to any team in this league, especially with the creativity of Rakitic and Hughes behind them pulling the strings, whilst the defence is a solid base of connecting and complementing strengths.

Defence - I want to keep a nice, narrow back four, forcing the ball out wide, ensuring the main threat to deal with will be crosses. With Forster, Veltman and Fonte in the middle, we should dominate the aerial ball (and any low crosses) because they are all tall, very strong, powerful players, whilst Veltman offers a brilliant ability to mop up any low balls with his technical ability. Forster, being the powerhouse lump that he is will be claiming all crosses, at over 2m tall he can barrel his way through all comers to collect the ball should it go beyond the near post (Fonte's duty).

Clyne and Durm will keep nice and tight to Fonte and Ginter, this will close gaps in the middle and naturally make the ball move out wide. This, as I said, plays into our hands. These two won't be asked to break forward, because, (as my tactics will explain later) the wingers shouldn't be needing their help to beat a man. However, they should try and move up, just behind the wingers, for 'give and goes' to get beyond the enemy CBs.

Vetlman and Fonte will keep a relatively deep line, this again will force the ball out wide as the chances of Andover getting through the middle are dampened (i.e. there can be no cheeky through balls played behind us). Once the ball goes wide, Fonte will be the one go for the ball at the near post because he's the powerful strong defender who should win everything. Veltman will be marking the opposition striker, keeping close enough to a) prevent the striker getting in Fonte's path, allowing a clean clearance, and b) offering a distraction should Fonte fail to clear the ball, Fonte will prevent the striker having a free header on the cross.

Forster will be looking to mop up any balls that go beyond Fonte, i.e. anything that goes beyond the near post. His height and power means he should be relatively unhindered in his taking of the ball.

When clearing the ball, the defence should look to get it out wide to the wingers. This is because the midfield, with Rap's tactics, tends to be quite a congested area, whilst the wingers should be in a fair amount of space and will have time to take the ball down and pick a pass/run.

Midfield - As I said just above, the midfield tends to be a packed area when we come up against Rap, so it's imperative that we get it out wide as quickly as possible, right into the areas where space should be available. At this point, I'm expecting Rap's LCM/RCM to move out slightly to meet our winger (giving support to whoever Rap has on that side), giving us a numerical advantage (or at least equality) in the middle, so if the winger does not move forward, the ball can go right back into the middle where our players should have the quality to take the game to Andover.

Schneiderlin will be deep again, everyone knows his qualities as a DM so I'm not going to patronise you by telling you them. Should one of Rap's midfielders break from deep, looking to get on the end of a cross (again, the attack that our defence will be limiting them too) Schneiderlin will chase back, ensuring they won't get a free header. What mustn't be forgotten about the Frenchman is he's a fantastic passer of the ball, so once the wingers have dragged an Andover midfielder out of position, he must get involved with the play to ensure the numbers game we've just set up isn't wasted. Sitting deeper than the other two, he offers an option if there are no runs to find or Rakitic/Hughes is put under too much pressure.

I'd also like to put in, that if Veltman goes on one of his forward Forays, Schneiderlin must instantly drop back to provide cover at CB.

Hughes and Rakitic will sit slightly more advanced, and from here they must be looking to play the wingers in at every opportunity. Both are technically superb passers, being able to pass, control, and move in tight areas, even under pressure. So they should work the ball around until the opportunity to spray it out wide once the space has opened up for Draxler or Berardi.

Once that ball has gone, they need to move into space, just incase the wingers's can't move forward, offering an option to keep the ball and restart the move.

Once the ball has gone wide, and the wingers have decided whether or not to move forward rather than play it back into the middle, Rakitic must follow the run, lurking at the edge of the box for pull backs and rebounds. His cannon of a shot should provide a distinct threat to Rap's goal. Hughes sits back with Schneiderlin just to negate any counter attacks.

Strikers -The Holy Trinity get to play together! A wide, trident in attack, is how these three will start off. But should an Andovan FB charge forward, Berardi and Draxler shouldn't be afraid to drift wider, demand the ball, and drag a CB out into the wing position (putting Lambert and the second striker up against one CB). Should the ball come out wide to one of these two, Lambert will run to the front post (I expect the CB that's left in the box will follow him) and the other winger will got to the far post (the FB on his side may chase him, but Berardi/Draxler should have the advantage of a) moving first and b) running onto the cross at speed.

Should the Andover FBs stay deep, the trinity will move centrally, working within the width of the penalty area. This will mean two of Rap's players (the FBs) are completely out the game, sitting deep to mark no-one. It also means we should have a numerical advantage up top (3 attackers against 2 CBs) so it's a case of pass, move, pull a CB out of the line, through ball, goal. All the intricate play that these three are more than capable of pulling off.

Before the ball has reached the front three, who will tend to be level with each other when they attack, Berardi and Draxler will drop a little deep, adding numbers to our passing game and working in the space between the lines of midfield and defence, pulling the Andover CMs out of position. All three need to put in a shift closing down the defenders who receive back passes.

Subs -

Losing/Drawing -

60 - Ings on for Lambert. Ings is much faster, and probably a better finisher than Lambert, however he lacks his power and heading ability. This means we should focus on getting the two wingers running at the defenders, using Ings' threat of pace to pin them right back.

80 - Grealish on for Schneiderlin. Grealish out to LW, performs Draxler's role. Draxler goes into a No.10 position in a 4-2-3-1 with Rakitic and Hughes getting forward. We need all three of the attacking midfielders to run at the defence, who, against Ing's pace, will be dropping deep opening up space between the Andover midfield and defence.

Winning -

80 - Ings on for Lambert - Ings' pace keeps defence's naturally deep, ensuring Rap can't pressurise high up the pitch and won't be able to throw the kitchen sink at us in the last minutes for fear of having the game totally killed off.

Formation: 3-1-5-1 (3-3-3-1/4-2-3-1)

--------------------------van der Hart
-------van Beek-------------Aké------------Blind
-----------------------------Bazoer
-------------Gaudino----------------------Höjbjerg
Andersen------------------Eriksen-------------------Fischer
----------------------------Tankovic

Subs: Christensen, Gustafson, Ödegaard, Laursen, Daehli
Captain: Blind
Corners: Andersen (Laursen), Fischer (Daehli)
Free Kicks: Eriksen (Odegaard)

From kick off we’ll have a ‘pressing’ 3-1-5-1 formation with the aim of playing a nice passing game and using our obvious pace to get the opposition on the back foot, with the ultimate aim of causing some serious damage to Cambuur’s back line.

van der Hart is an extremely talented young keeper. He is extremely composed, commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and quick minded manner.

The trio of van Beek, Aké and Blind are composed defenders who will look to play a low risk, sensible defensive game. There is no need for risk taking, as they will find support from Bazoer when required and will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and all 3 are technically gifted with the ball at their feet.

In front of this defensive trio, Bazoer will play as the defensive midfielder who is also comfortable at slipping into the back 4 if required (this is especially so if Cambuur attempt to use continuous wide attacking phases). Bazoer is a great tackler, has a big engine and is also a great passer of the ball. He will keep the ball moving with neat tidy passing, whilst not doing anything too extravagant and fancy, and he is more than capable of getting stuck in the nitty gritty of things.

In front of Bazoer we have Gaudino and Höjbjerg who are two of the finest young passing and composed footballers in European football today. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Andersen on the right, Fischer on the left and Eriksen down the centre to run onto.

When we are on the back foot so to speak Gaudino and Höjbjerg will drop much deeper and so on (I have carefully selected midfielders who are comfortable with a defensive game as they are in an attacking sense) – technically becoming a 3331 or as mentioned above a 4231 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.

Gaudino and Höjbjerg have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.

Andersen, Eriksen and Fischer have no defensive worries in this match. They are purely here to batter opponents with wave and wave of tidy and varied pacy attacks. All three are extremely talented individuals with fantastic pace and skills. The ability to ghost past a player, take on defence and to play the sort of tricks that will wrong foot the opposition. They are as equally at home at making assists for Tankovic and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.

All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the Cambuur back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.

Tankovic up front will thrive off this constant willingness to attack by Andersen, Fischer and Eriksen by latching on to those killer through-balls, or he will be equally at home running from deep with the ball and looking for clever 1-2’s with Eriksen to pierce the Cambuur defence.

Subs: Daehli on for Fischer – 72nd Minute, Laursen on for Andersen and Ödegaard on for Eriksen 80th Minute

------------------------Enyeama-------------------------
Janko----------Luisao-------Kouyate---------Oczipka
-----------------Masch----------Pirlo-------------------
Robben--------------Halilovic-------------------Green
-----------------------Immobile------------------------

Subs: Samper, Rosicky, Britton, Afobe, S. Ramirez

Squad: Areola, Abidal, James, Perrey, Suliman, Lawrence, Schöpf, Lingard, Roberts, Robert, Afobe, Rowe

Injuries: Baker, Ondoa, Hazard, Omeruo

Suspended: Wilson

Enyeama takes his place in goal, he's an experienced, agile keeper with bags of experience. He'll command his area, playing the ball out on the deck.

Luisao and Kouyate take up the CB spots. They're both very strong and able to win the ball back by putting pressure on the opponents attackers. Luisao is the leader at the back, he'll command the defence and bark the orders. Kouyate has plenty of pace to cover if needs be. They will look to feed the ball out through Pirlo or the wider players if he's marked.

Janko and Ozcipka will take up the wing back roles. Both players have high stamina and a good range of passing. They'll be able to get up the wings tirelessly contributing in both defence and attack.

Mascherano and Pirlo will take up their midfield roles. Pirlo will set the tempo of our play, he'll make the passes that make us tick, slowing the game down if we're under pressure or being more direct if the counter attack is on. Mascherano will sit deeper as the defensive midfielder marshalling the area in front of the defence.

Halilovic will take up the number 10 role, he'll have the freedom to move from one side of the pitch to the other to open up pockets of space and receive the ball. He's quick with a low centre of gravity so he'll be able to take the ball and turn quickly before feeding the ball through to the forwards or out into wider areas where the wing backs will be pushing on. He will be key in working with the wing backs.

Robben and Green will play in the wider areas, they'll have the freedom to drift inside and out (with Halilovic moving the other way) when we attack.

Immobile leads the line. He's young and quick with an eye for goal, who's also very good with the ball at his feet.


Our game plan this week will be to draw our opponents onto us, we want them to press us up our end of the pitch so they leave gaps in behind that we can exploit. We'll look to move the ball out through wider areas of the pitch, utilising the pace of our wide-men.

We're adopting a form of 4-2-3-1, though it is somewhere between that and a 4-4-1-1. Our 'number 10', is a link man between the wide-men and the centre forward.
Robben and Green will look to play one two's with Halilovic to work their way forwards.

We have a strong CB partnership pairing with two young energetic fullbacks either side. Mascherano will operate as the defensive midfielder screening the back 4 with Pirlo just in front pulling the strings through his passing and picking up intelligent positions.

When out of possession we want to drop back into position and press the ball when the opposition enter our half of the pitch. They can play it around all they like in their own third. We want to draw them out so there will be space for us to counter attack into. On the counter we will look to move the ball out via Pirlo, who will look to wider areas this week. When Robben gets the ball especially, he will look to beat his man/men and get a shot off, or duck the other way and fizz balls in for Immobile to attack in the centre and Green coming in at the far post. Halilovic will pick up a position on the edge of the area.

When in possession of the football we want to pass the ball in triangles, pulling their players here and there creating spaces for our attacker's to thrive in. Pirlo will look to use the spaces created to move the ball forward. He'll have Halilovic coming for the ball to feet and the wide men look to run in behind players to receive a pass.

Captain: Pirlo
Penalties: Robben
Freekicks: Pirlo


Subs after 75 mins if losing/drawing:

Rosicky on for Halilovic
Samper on for Pirlo
S. Ramirez on for Green

We'll move to a 4-1-2-12

-----Masch
Ros--------Bak
------Rob
-Imm------Ram

This should free Robben from any wide markers and give Immobile support upfront with Wilson. Samper will add plenty of energy to get up and down the pitch with Rosicky no slouch either.

If winning:

Rosicky will come in for Halilovic
Afobe for Green