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------------------------Muslera
--Jedvaj--------------Ginter-------------Lombaerts
-----------------------Kranevitter
---------Herrera----------------------Höjbjerg
Kampl----------------Firmino----------Felipe Anderson
-------------------------Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Reyes, Wimmer, Clasie, Klaassen, Torres, Rolan
Captain: Hector Herrera
Corners: Kampl / Felipe Anderson
Free Kicks: Kampl
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 Bournemouth’s back line.
Muslera is a gifted composed keeper who commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and effective manner.
The trio of Jedvaj, Ginter & Lombaerts 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 Matías Kranevitter when required and they will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and equally technically gifted with the ball at their feet.
In front of this defensive trio, Kranevitter will play as the defensive midfielder who if required will be comfortable in slipping into the defence (a la Mascherano style). Kranevitter 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 Kranevitter we have Höjbjerg and Hector Herrera who are both fine passing footballers. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Kampl on the right, Felipe Anderson on the left and Firmino down the centre to run onto.
When we are on the back foot so to speak Höjbjerg and Herrera will drop much deeper and so on – technically becoming a 3-3-3-1 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.
Höjbjerg and Herrera have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.
Kampl, Firmino & Felipe Anderson 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 go 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 Luciano Vietto and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.
All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the opposition back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.
Luciano Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders. With licence to drop deep and combine with our 3 attacking midfielders so expect some exciting attacking threats across the width of the pitch.
Subs:
70th minute: Clasie on for Höjbjerg
80th Minute: Óliver Torres on for Firmino
----------------Cech--------------
Alves----Cahill---Luiz----Clichy
--------------Busquets-----------
-----------Yaya----Rakitic-------
--Sterling---------------Eriksen--
-----------------Kane--------------
Subs:
Valdes
Schmelzer
Musacchio
Fernando
Mason
Chadli
Ballotelli
Tactics overall:
We play a quick tempo pass and move football using high energy as our key to victory. We press high with players like Kane sterling eriksen using their high energy to press from the front and unsettling the opposition defence and giving them no time to build from the back. High energy from all players is key moving into space to make options when we have the ball and the midfield and defence quickly getting tight to opposition when they have the ball to give them no time without commuting themselves. We have quality passers as our cm trio who can keep the ball when nothing is on but always looking to play that key pass to the ever moving front 3.
Defence:
Cahill will man mark the likley lone striker in Bony, Cahill uses his strength height and anticipation to keep Bony always at arms length giving him very little room getting tight at all times not committing himself though. Luiz plays as the spare cb anticipating danger making sure he's always in the right place to watch opposition midfield runs and help Cahill when needed. Luiz and Cahill are good ball playing defenders who can help us keep comfortable possession when needed but look to get ball to the midfield quickly. Alves will get forward when we have the ball and support the attacks using his excellent attacking ability to make overlapping wide runs and using his quality passing to get our players into scoring positions. Alves will always have to be ready to get back when needed and defend and not get caught out defensively but Busquets and Luiz can help cover for him. Clichy will get forward and be a wide passing option without over committing himself but always using his pace to get back quickly when needed.
Midfield:
Busquets plays in DM sitting in front of the back four breaking down play and not getting forward. He's also excellent on the ball to either help keep possession for the team or make the incisive killer pass. Rakitic and Yaya will use high energy to close opposition down when we don't have the ball giving them no time to build attacks. Yaya and Rakitic can both get forward but won't both go at same time if one makes forward run the other sits back. Yaya and Rakitic both using passing ability to feed the front 3 then immediately move into space so they can receive the ball. Rackitic will be the main playmaker for the team dictating tempo and Yaya will be the set piece expert.
Attack:
Sterling is always on the move never staying in one position using his pace stamina and intelligence to find space. When Sterling isn't out wide Alves can help provide the width for the team. Sterling will work hard to find space when he does he will look for the runs of others if nothing on he will look to be direct and attack the opposition with pace. Eriksen will look to cut in from the left using his great judgment to make late movement from wide positions Into dangerous areas. When Eriksen is in dangerous areas he's equally as dangerous at making a goal and scoring a goal. Kane is a great all round player and the team will always look to give him chances whether it's in the air, to feet or in behind the defence he's capable of scoring from any situation. Kane will always be on the move looking to get into space but if he's getting too many markers this will create space for others like sterling.
Subs:
If winning 70 Fernando comes on for Yaya and plays DM next to Busquets and helps protect the back 4 and the whole team plays more defensive to try and see out the win
If losing 70 Ballotelli comes on for Yaya and we change to a 4-4-2 with Ballotelli and Kane upfront with the team more attacking and direct
If drawing 70 Mason comes on for Yaya and adds extra energy and determination to the team
Any score 70 Chadli on for Eriksen and play same formation with Chadli using his pace and strength to be direct and attack the tiring opposition unless winning
Balanced 4-5-1. Counter attack.
First day of the season, we come with a game plan to beat City. We lineup, with an energetic side, full of power.
Firs ten minutes, we fire out the blocks, don’t let City settle, pressurising them all over the park. Using our power to get in City’s faces and knock them off their stride. Let them know they are in for a fight.
Following a strong end to the season, and some new big signings the mood in the camp is high. We have pace and quality in attack. Once the game settles, we aim to counter attack, using the pace of our attacking midfielders and full backs, and Bony as a target man to hold up and link the play. Playing with two strong defensive midfielders gives our fbs and attacking midfielders freedom to bomb forward in attack.
Our strength and power will also pose a huge threat from set pieces, 7 outfield players 6 foot or over, we will tower over City, a relatively soft/small team.
Attacking quickly, with pace. Exposing the space City leave behind them as they come forward. Catching their defence on the back foot, and looking to run at their defenders.
----------------- Oblak
Danilo – Manolas – Otamendi – Bernat
-------- T.Motta – McCarthy
----------- Ander Herrera
A.di Maria -------------------- J.Draxler
---------------- W.Bony
Subs. Butland, Vermaelen, Banega, Cheryshev, Calhanoglu, Jese, Zaza
We come knowing how we expect the game to plan out, and have a gameplan to stick to overcome City. We know with their midfield trio they will control possession, but they are missing a few key players, and have players who like to come inside on the wings. Even Alves from Rb, likes to come inside to central positions in attack. Our two defensive midfielders, and rigid defence will be key here. Leaving no space for City, who will crowd themselves out.
Defending in numbers
The back four defend rigidly and narrow, knowing that City’s players don’t like to go down the outside. In front of the back four, the intelligence and energy of McCarthy, next to the defensive nous and strength of Motta. In front Ander also provides great work rate and will be the one to close down the ball.
Motta picks up the most attacking/advanced midfieder, Yaya most likely, and will will win the challenges with him with his strength and desire. McCarthy covers the space in front of the cb on the side of the ball, sweeping up any danger that comes his way.
The two wide men, come deep and narrow to defend. Ensuring there is no space for City. Always looking to win the ball or intercept and break at speed.
Oblak has the perfect attributes for this match, shot stopping and distribution are his strengths, we look to limit City to chances from distance, and break quickly.
The back four possess great pace and power. This will help us be first to every ball, outmuscling, outnumbering and outthinking the opposition with our tactical defence. This coupled with our rigid formation, not leaving any space, we feel City lack the pace and agility to run through us, as if they beat one man, a second will be there to win the ball. We don’t let City get close to our box, and if we do, the strength of our cbs will be vital.
Bony will look to defend from the top when the City cbs are on the ball, they are prone to error, put them under pressure.
Attack.
Counter attacking. Getting the ball to our attacking midfielders. In the opposition half, they have the freedom of the pitch, and come inside, support Bony as much as possible and outnumber them in the centre. Running at the opposition defence, putting them under pressure and forcing their players to come out of position.
Ander will be there to link it up with the AMS. Running at the opposition with pace, with them running back towards their own goal, we will be difficult to defend against. Looking to get at them when they are out of position, and pull them further out of position.
The two pacey fbs bomb forward to provide width, looking to get their quickly and outnumber City.
Motta deep, almost as 3rd cb, McCarthy in front. Our midfield have great ability on the ball, Motta and Ander have the ability to ping long balls to Bony and our wide men, setting us immediately on the front foot.
The composure of our central trio will also be important in relieving pressure, when the counter is not on, the trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. Exposing the gaps in their midfield.
Bony will always look to get in the box and away from his marker.
Set pieces will also be a hugely important part of our attack. Di Maria taking the set pieces.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 65 mins bring on Jese for Draxler. Fresh injection of pace on the left. Impact player.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Cheryshev for Bony. Jese st. More pace, as City push for equalizer more pace to expose them.
If winning after 76 mins bring on Banega for Ander. More grit in midfield and fresh legs.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Calhanoglu for Ander. Attacking threat, more creative, and long shot and fk master to shoot!
If losing after 60 mins bring on Calhanoglu and Banega for Motta and McCarthy. Ander and Banega cm. All out win.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Jese for Ander. Di Maria to AM with Calhanoglu, Banega dm. Gung Ho.
Birmingham City 4-3-3
Injuries:
Marouane Fellaini
Mattia De Sciglio
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Dries Mertens
………………………………………..Hart…………………………………..
Srna……………Garay……………Alderweireld………….Davies
…………………………………….De Rossi…………………………….
……………………….Ramsey…………………..Hamsik………………..
Berardi………………………Martinez………………………Cavani
Subs: zieler, Richards, Nastasic, Inler, Salah, Negredo, Defoe
Opening game of the season at home to midlands rivals stoke, Managed by the lazy left wing, corduroy wearing fake Brummie Rex, Rexerson
Pretty none existing pre-season for our boys but we’re fit and raring to go
Slight change of system as we no longer look to be on the defensive, Our side is set up with a solid spine, a nice strong defence and an attack which boasts a bit of everything
General game-plan
Possession football, but not for possession sakes, the ball is to be moved forwards quickly and smartly, backwards and sidewards although acceptable is not the primary function, have looked at Rex’s squad and whilst he has some talent going forwards we feel his defence can be gotten at and that is why our inverted triangle today is so important, as we look to put their deep-lying playmakers under pressure early on, looking to win the ball back higher up the pitch, and auto starting counter-attacks quickly
Individual Roles:
Joe Hart – No fancy stuff in goal today from the Head Shoulders user……quick off his line dealing with any loose through balls, will look to quickly recycle possession, either going long to the forwards or short punchy throw outs to the full backs.
Srna/Davies – Normally give my full backs free licence to attack but today they’re tasked with being defence first….. can push when safe to do so as long as they’re covered by the midfield or we’re safely in possession, standard stuff really showing their man the line and forcing the pass backwards or a cross into our centre-backs.
Garay/Alder – Not sure how Rex will line it up so it’s good old zonal marking not man to man, both comfortable in possession which always helps, but both are capable of doing the dirty tasks….whoever is picking up Icardi feel free to give him a good kicking, if Rex complains kick him too.
De Rossi – The emperor – Normally all action, but today he’s getting a rest will sit in front of the defence acting as a shield, flying into tackles as he always does, and picking out his “hollywood passes” a mans man and a proper captain, another who can chalk Icardi’s name onto his hitlist
Ramsey – He’s the midfielder De Rossi used to be, up and down all game like a Duracell bunny. A proper box-box midfielder with an eye for goal, his late surging runs into the box are key for us today being as we have a fantastic target man in Jackson up-front.
Hamsik – Whilst De Rossi provides the muscle, Rambo the energy, Hamsik has the guile, a proper play-maker, will link the defence to the attack, spreading the play or driving forwards himself, this man can do a bit of everything.
Berardi/Cavani – Line up as wingers, but realistically they’re anything but, start off wide but will be given the freedom to drift infield and attack the spaces between FB & CB as we look to over-load, Stokes defence. Both men have an eye for goal and will be encouraged to chance their arm at will, defensively will drop back as far as half-way, before passing their man onto Rambo/Hamsik
Jackson – Typical target man, quick and strong, very direct, not sure what else to add……he is what he is, and we want that brute strength being a thorn in the side of Stokes defence today, as we batter them into submission
Substitutions
All subs are at 65 mins regardless – Fresh legs you see as the system will work
Inler > De Rossi
Salah > Cavani
Negredo > Jackson
Love and Peace
-----------------------De Gea---------------------
Chambers----Bonucci----Chiellini----Ricardo
-----------March------Vidal------Pogba---------
Sanchez-------------Aguero-------------Neymar
Rulli, Laporte, Bender, James, Depay, Morata, Dybala
In goal De Gea our new number 1, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Chiellini alongside Bonucci is as good a partnership you will see in the league, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside not only brings experience but also he is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.
Ricardo and Chambers at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
We go with a midfield 3 of Marchisio, Vidal and Pogba three absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield going man for man, Vidal will pick up ythe most advanced midfielder the second most advanced will be picked up by one of the other two depending what side he goes to thus allowing our 3rd player to be free to close down the DM if he decideds to roam , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there playrs any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then two of the three will drive forward leaving one behind they will drive on into support Aguero, the other will stay back just in case of any break aways, however the other two will get back due to ther impressive workrate. All three good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Neymar and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Aguero and the wingers cutting in. Quick passing from the three as to not be shut down by the Villa midfielders.
Sanchez and Neymar both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Aguero. Neymar focusses more on the tricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use the CMs and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.
Villa have a quality trio in midfield so we must match them they come forward, do not give them any time on the ball as they could hurt us.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Portsmouth side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front three will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Sanchez running into support. With our Cms making dangerous runs into the area also
A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.
Captain - Chiellini
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing
75 Mins - Morata for Marchisio 4-4-2 Morata up top with Aguero
85 Mins - Dybala for Ricardo 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Bender for Marchisio, sit in behind Pogba and Vidal
85 Mins - Morata for Aguero
Drawing
75 Mins - James for MArchisio look to get the ball into dangerous positions
80 Mins - Morata for Aguero
----------------------Buffon
Juanfran--Miranda--Godin--Coentrao
-----------------Fernandinho
---------Fabregas---Henderson
Walcott---------------------------Nasri
-------------------Sturridge
Subs
Perin, Rojo, Parejo, Perez, Candreva, Callejon, Higuain
Tactical Overview
For the first 20 minutes of each half we are going to try and blitz the opposition, pressing them all over the pitch and using the pace in attack to try and catch them cold, then then settling down into a 3 quarter press allowing the opposition CB's and keeper have the ball as much as they want.
Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the simple pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.
Full Backs
Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, preferring to play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch.
Centre Backs
Godin will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played to him, with Miranda concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Miranda will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
The midfield 3 will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/AMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Wingers
When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space before using their pace to make runs between the CB and FB. then when they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Sturridge, they should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.
Striker
When attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, he will be looking to get between the defender and the ball and then use his strength to make sure he stays ahead of the defender to create a chance/shot or draw a foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingersto cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.
Set Pieces
Corners - Fabregas takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Sturridge work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a free run at the ball, Walcott and Nasri flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed or underhit touches. Fernandinho looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving around the 6 yard box. Henderson takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Fabregas takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Fabregas is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
72 mins - Perez for Nasri - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
85 + 87 Mins - Higuain for Sturridge and Parejo for Henderson - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
71 Mins - Higuain, Mustafi and Callejon for Coentrao, Walcott and Juanfran - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.
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ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
A balanced 4-2-3-1, with players that will really attack the opposition, but more importantly will play a high pressing game in important areas of the park.
Lacazette will be key today, in fantastic form, he always scores important goals. Kroos lines up in the CAM role behind Lacazette, and their fantastic work-rate off the ball will be vital in ensuring we keep the opposition in areas they can’t hurt us. In addition, if the opposition utilises a deep-lying playmaker, we want Kroos to do everything to nullify his threat.
We want our central trio to dominate possession, looking to control the game in the middle of the park. As we advance into the final third we will seek to attack down the wings, target their full backs.
Our formation ensures that the wingers offer cover against the oppositions full backs if they attack. And likewise, going forward the full backs and wingers work as a pair to double up on the opposition full backs.
——————— ter Stegen
Piszczek — Toprak — Smalling — Shaw
————— Khedira — Cazorla
Koke ————— Kroos ————— Reus
——————— Lacazette
SUBS: Begovic, Martins Indi, Can, Sneijder, Kagawa, De Bruyne, Vela
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Toni Kroos
Crossing free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Shooting free-kicks: Santi Cazorla
Penalties: Marco Reus
Building on a strong compact formation, we play with plenty of width, seeking to stretch the opposition, and attack down the wings. Khedira and Cazorla can stamp their authority in the middle of the park, offering the defence the protection it needs but more importantly orchestrating our play.
We attack with a high tempo, using the pace we having going forward. We will be direct in our attacking play in the opposition half, this coupled with our width will stretch the opposition. We seek to create spaces and gaps in the oppositions midfield, and defence allowing us to get Kroos and Lacazette in dangerous areas in the opposition third.
The formation is rigid in defence, fluid in attack. On each side one full back / winger keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Lacazette and Cazorla will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Lacazette and Kroos are key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and Cazorla.
Generally short passes out from defence, a centre mid will look to pick up the ball and play it out wide, preferably to the full back getting forward. In the middle of the park we look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide, as we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half.
Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the full backs or wingers running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling the opposition defenders out of position. Coming inside we look to whip the ball in behind the opposition defence, or play a cute through ball. When going wide, if possible get to the by line at the 18 yard box, from there we have a greater chance of finding Lacazette / Kroos / opposite winger or Cazorla at edge.
Defence.
Control the space. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.
The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch them out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them.
As soon as they move the ball out of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press. Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Lacazette, Kroos and one of Koke / Reus will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.
When their deep midfielders come deep to get the ball, Lacazette and one of wingers / Kroos shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and full backs will pick up their players.
Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as the opposition advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As the opposition advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.
Khedira drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. His energy and reading will be best utilised in this position. Cazorla and Kroos in center mid. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover, particularly in the important central areas.
We always want at least one more defender than the opposition has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Khedira, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.
Our full backs up against their quick wide forwards are to drop off more so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past the full back, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
Attack.
Passing simple in our own third. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, look to find our wingers, using their pace to get in behind. Seek to target their full backs in the final third.
Generally direct going forward, in the opposition half we will always look to go forward and stretch the opposition where possible.
Kroos will always look to find space in between the the opposition midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball, link up with others and look to create.
Lacazette up top will play his natural game. He loves running at the opposition.
SUBS
If winning after 75 mins bring on Can for Cazorla. Fresh legs, and will help us dominate possession in a more reserved 4-3-3 with Kroos dropping back.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on De Bruyne for Khedira. Fresh legs to ensure we continue at a high tempo with Kroos dropping back into DM to control the tempo.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Vela for Koke. His directness and pace will be a real asset as the game opens up and he can really pick passes and finish well.
PORTSMOUTH v Arsenal
----------------------Neuer----------------------
Lahm---------Pepe----Hummels-----Kurzawa
-----------Schweinsteiger----Xhaka-----------
Navas--------------Goetze---------------Turan
-----------------Lewandowski------------------
Captain: Schweinsteiger
Vice Captain: Hummels
Penalties: Lewandowski
Free Kicks: Goetze
Corners: Turan
Substitutes: Meret; Marquinhos; Asamoah; Krychowiak; Barkley; Arnold; Coman
Game Plan:
A big opening day tie against the reigning Champions and we want to signal our intent to contend for the Champions League by taking the game to our much venerated opposition today.
We don't want them to settle in to a rhythm away from home so we will employ the pressing game that made Pep Guardiola's Barcelona such a handful to deal with.
We will be smart about our pressing game, today; not over exerting ourselves by looking to double or even triple team players in key areas of the pitch to force them in to making mistakes.
If the play is on the wings; the full back, winger and central midfielder on that side of the line up will press towards the player in possession. One will look to contend for possession and two will look to cover close behind, aiming to block off any possible avenues. In conjunction with this, the other central midfielder will begin to push in closer and Goetze and Lewandowski will drop deeper to occupy a midfield position and man mark one of the Arsenal midfielders so that they can't make space for their players by overloading the midfield with red and white shirts.
If play is being dictated through the centre of the pitch, we want both of our midfielders pushing towards the ball - we want to do this quickly and efficiently so that they are rushing play. In order to not give Arsenal plenty of space to work with, Goetze will again drop deeper in order to mark an Arsenal midfielder, while Lewandowski will cover the Arsenal back line so that they can't play the ball backwards. The two wingers will drop back and push infield so that we will have 5 bodies crowding the centre of the pitch and our full backs will try to push the Arsenal wide men to the touchline so that they cannot be used as an easy outlet. Ideally, this should give us a 5 against 3 scenario with our formation compact and Arsenal's spread out and fractured.
We want our full backs going toe-to-toe with their wingers. They will be able to do this as they will be confident in knowing that there will always be two players covering close by, should they be beaten or the ball played to another Arsenal player. They should be tough in the tackle and look to stand their opposite number up, pushing them away from goal and away from the centre of the pitch.
Pepe will man mark the centre back - sticking to him like glue. This will free up Hummels to sweep behind or in front of the centre forward as he sees fit - either cleaning up loose balls or dropping off to prevent any runs from coming in behind our defence.
Our attack will need to be quick and efficient. We have not set up to play a possession game today so most of our offence will likely be on the counter. With this in mind, we have opted to start Jesus Navas so that his pace can pin back his opposing left back. If the Arsenal left back is caught wandering up the pitch then Navas' pace will be enough to punish his lapse in concentration, sprinting down the line with the ball and cutting/crossing it in for Lewandowski to apply the finishing touches.
We want to base our attack around a pacey breakout and we will have Lewandowski hugging the shoulder of the last defender, looking for his opportunity to spin and run clear of the defence, or to hold up the ball and play it to another attacker. Goetze will play off Lewandowski - looking for knock downs and through balls so that he can run at the Arsenal defence and cause problems.
Turan will look to alternate between cutting infield and providing support and taking his man on in order to provide the cross. When he cuts inside, he will be encouraged to play more as a striker and look to play as a poacher behind Lewandowski.
We don't want to over-extend our play in attack so our midfielders will work in conjunction with our full backs. When Xhaka pushes forward, Schweinsteiger will drop deep and Lahm will push forward, providing support from deep and looking to play as an outlet. When Schweinsteiger pushes up, Kurzawa will also push up and look to play on the overlap with Turan. This will give us numbers in attack but provide us with a constant back 3 and a covering midfielder. Our play will be fast and direct so we will not need to push too many men forward unless we get to the final 15 minutes and we are losing the game - in which case it's all out attack.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Asamoah for Navas - Goetze will switch to the right in a 4-3-3. Asamoah will go LCM and Schwinsteiger will drop deep. The 3 man midfield should help with closing up the midfield and preventing Arsenal from playing through us.
75 minutes: Krychowiak for Schweinsteiger: This move will free up Asamoah and Xhaka to push forward more and be more adventurous.
80 minutes: Coman for Turan: Pacey and direct, we will be hoping Coman will provide some late actions against a tired defence.
——————————————Ryan
Azpilicueta———Nkoulou———————Boateng———Luis
—————————Matic—————Kondogbia
————Coutinho——————————————Griezmann
——————————Aubameyang——Costa
4-3-3 in some attacks with Aubameyang wide right and Coutinho ACM
Subs: Hassen, Denayer, Verratti, Oscar, Garcia, B.Traore, Mitrovic
Captain: Diego Costa
Free Kicks: Philippe Coutinho/Felipe Luis
Corners: Philippe Coutinho
Penalties: Diego Costa
First game of the season at home and its important to lay down a marker to show this season is going to be even better. We want to give a very powerful performance, beating United off the Anfield turf.
We will begin our defending in our half with high pressure on their midfield, using Costa, Aubameyang, Coutinho and Griezzman to press the CMs, two pressing, one closing off the nearest wide option and the other holding station a little deeper to cut off easy central passes, leave no time and space to pick their passes and make them rush the ball into the midfield area where we make it impossible to play through, first to every lose ball. Once the ball is played we want Griezmann and Coutinho using their high work rates, dropping in and joining Matic and Kondogbia in getting on top of the United midfield, pressing them quickly, closing off all the spaces, hunting in packs and winning the ball quickly, whilst Costa and Aubameyang presses the CMs, acting as a shield to slow down United’s possession in the midfield. If the ball is moved into wider areas then our midfield push across looking to keep things compact and surround United on the flank, with the FB also pushing up to shut off space, and the AM on that side coming across to help with the FB, if their wingers cut in Matic, Kondogbia and the other AM is always there ready to close off the route to goal, with the strikers closing off the pass into midfield. Slow the game right down when they have the ball, draw them forward slowly, patiently wait for the opportunity to step in, the higher up they get, the more rigid we become, opting then to mark space rather than the man and give them no where to go, waiting for a loose ball we can tae advantage of.
Defending the midfield area is the key, their biggest strength can be turned into their main weakness with their AMs all wanting to play in between the lines in central areas, we will make the midfield battle very compact and give them no room. Matic and Kondogbia will look to bully these guys, never allowing them room between the lines, tackling hard and imposing their authority, especially on Hazard. Coutinho and Griezzman will drop back and give us 4 vs 3(4 if their CM attacks) and from there we make things slow and create lots of broken sequences of play. Hazard is difficult to stop, we expect them to try get him coming from wide too, as already said we surround them on the flanks in these cases, Azpi is the perfect player to go man to man with Hazard in these scenarios and he will always be baked up by Coutinho, Matic and co. When going up against the wingers our FBs are quick into them, always standing up and showing them down the line, blocking the crosses or stepping in as soon as the ball is played to the winger and putting us straight on the front foot. We start with a very rigid back line, tight together to leave no gaps for the tricky United players to get round the side, making our injury weakness our strength by having a very mobile CB pairing who won’t let players in around them. We have seen how useless Mandzukic became at Bayern playing possession football, we will make sure the same happens today, slowing Uniteds game down and making sure he is marked out of the game, given no chance to link play or have a sniff at goal, if a CB is beaten the FBs are close by and ready to step in.
As soon as the ball is won we want to stretch them, the front 4 are involved in defending which means they’re together, allowing for much faster link up play. Coutinho and Greizmann look to use their trickery to break out from defensive positions, Griezmann looking to use his pace to get into space quickly and link up with the strikers, whilst Coutinho takes advantage of a weakness in the opposition defensive midfield area to get between them and he will pull the strings. We have the option for quick balls up to the strikers who have the beating of the CMs, Costa using his great strength to bring the others in around him and Aubameyang stretching the game with his pace, similarly to Griezmann by attacking the space, either centrally or down the flanks. Once we get out of the initial defensive phase this is where we can really hurt them, having the 4 players free in space to attack the remaining defensive line. Coutinho looks to be the creator, getting into pockets of space in the midfield where he can pull the strings. Costa will look to bully the CBs, holding the ball up and bringing others in or using his movement to make a run in on goal or pull off to the flanks allowing Griezmann/Aubameyang space to run inside. These two will be key weapons for us, firstly as they provide pace and running to stretch the game into wide areas but also as they have a predators instinct, they make strikers runs into the box from wide, getting between FB and CB and they are clinical inside the box, all 4 of these players have freedom in attack to link up and take United apart. Matic and Kondogbia provide stability in possession, if we can’t break at pace we don’t, we hold onto it with these two and Coutinho, Kondogbia using his powerful running to drive into space when he can, whilst both FBs are able to get forward when we attack down their flank and provide excellent deliveries or quick combo play to open them up in the channels. If we struggle push Costa higher and go longer. We fancy our chances of outscoring United on the break.
Subs:
If Winning: Oscar for Aubameyang 70’, we move into a permanent 4-5-1 with Griezmann right, Coutinho left, make sure to nullify the midfield battle. Garcia for Coutinho 75’, extra power to bully United, if they start to use the flanks more we have it covered. Mitrovic for Costa 85’, fresh legs, great hold up play.
If Drawing: Oscar for Coutinho 70’, fresh legs. Garcia and Mitrovic for Griezmann and Aubameyang 75’, we will look to use the physical side of our game in attacks, FBs forward get lots of crosses in, Garcia, Mitrovic, Costa in the box will cause untold trouble.
If Losing: Verratti and Oscar for Kondogbia and Aubameyang 65’, look to be move the ball quickly in the midfield, Coutinho and Griezmann wide to stretch things, take hold of possession more and make things happen. Garcia for Coutinho 75’, get balls into the box for him, Costa and Griezmann.
-------------------Patricio-------------------
Ivanovic--J.Stones---Jagielka--J.Hector
------------------Wanyama-----------------
Willian----Cabaye-----Morgan-----Ayoze
-------------------Llorente------------------
Dragowski, Van Dijk, Cleverley, Witsel, Rodrigo, Odegaard, Ings
here we go again, a new season, a few changes to our midfield and attack and hopefully for the better!
The back 4 however does stay the same only injury keeping Baines out, but understudy Jonas Hector is a German International so a good replacement..
The back 4 is pretty solid with youth and experience especially in the middle where John Stones is vital, Jagielka talks him through but it is Stones who will do the marking job on there striker, he is young and fit, fast and powerful so the striker will have a tough match, with Jagielka talking him through he should be fine, a lot has been sid about Jagilekas age, but we feel he is a vital part of our team, his experience will prove vital, he helps Stones keep the middle of the defence inpenetrable. Ivanovic and Hector are solid fullbacks they xdont let alot passed them and they must keep this way today, fantastic defenders and also very useful going forward, especially Ivanovic who is a good outlet when he moves forward.
We revert back to Wanyama sitting in front of the defence, a tactic tahta did well for us last season. He patrols the area between defence and half way line, he controls that area and keeps the oppositoion away from our area. He is helped by Cabaye and Schneidederlin in what we feel is a very xgood midfiled trio. Having Wanyama in there allows Morgan andCabaye a little bit more freedom to venture forward and allows them to get xinto the box to support Llorente. There movement is vital for us, they xmust time there runs to perfection as ws cannot affort to be caught out of position..Good in the ttackle also so will be very hard to break down.
Willan takes up his usual spot on the right but AYoze Perez comes in on the left, a very tricky player with alot in his locker, will be a handful for there right back, Willian is a very hard working winger and has a top relationship with Ivanovic so the two will look to dominate the right hand side and pose numerous problems for them. We goive |Ayoze freedom on the left, really just to have a rightxx good go at xthem and try and get the ball into Llorente.
Llorente is a big powerful boy who we want to dominate the CBs really go toe to toe with them and get into positions thats our wingers will find him in, will out jump the CBs if he times his runs right, and a very goos shot on him also.
Our Captain for the season is Phil Jagielka
Yohan Cabaye will take the penalties and free kicks
Willian and Ayoze the corners
Subtitutes
If we are losing then Axel Witsel will come on for Wanyama and into midfield, allowing Cabaye to move further up on 70 minutes
Ings will then come on for Cabaye on 80 and play beside Llorentte and Rodrigo on for Perez at the same time
If we are winning then Cleverley on for Cabaye on 80 minutes
Drawing Witsel for Cabaye, Rodrigo for Perez on 70 minutes and Ings for Llorente on 80
Red Cards
Perez will come off
Dragowski will rreplace Patricio
Van Dijk a defender, if it is a fullback then Stones will move to fullback
a central midfielder then we go twith two
a winger thenCAbaye will move out wide, and Llorente, well Cabaye move wide and Ayoze replaced by Ings
Liverpool v MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Mathieu Debuchy, Nathan Redmond, Wayne Rooney, Nevan Subotic
-----------------Handanovic
Zabaleta - Sokratis - Howedes - Gaya
-----------------Strootman
---------Gundogan - Nainggolan
D.Silva-----------------------------Hazard
----------------Mandzukic
Subs: Szczesny, Dier, Blind, Gustavo, Mata, Schurrle, Lukaku
-----------------
Huge game to begin the new season away to Liverpool, going with the plan of dominating the midfield to give ourselves the best possible chance of success, we also have a few improvements compared to the previous setup which gives us a stronger attack. Handanovic in goal as our new number one, Zabaleta at right back to significantly improve us in that position, an all new midfield with David Silva the opposite flank to Eden Hazard which gives us two of the best inverted wingers in the league providing support to the striker.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting off to a flier this season. Liverpool have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Strootman, Gundogan and Nainggolan, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. David Silva at RW and Eden Hazard at LW both able to cut inside and get at the Liverpool defence with Zabaleta/Gaya overlapping. Mandzukic upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Handanovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Mandzukic.
Sokratis/Howedes - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Sokratis to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Strootman to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Zabaleta/Gaya - Both of you to force the Liverpool wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva/Hazard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Mandzukic and link with Strootman/Nainggolan/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Strootman - Playing as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Liverpool attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Gundogan and Nainggolan, also look for Silva, Hazard or Mandzukic making runs.
Gundogan/Nainggolan - Both of you playing the box to box role, both assist the CB's and Strootman in dealing with the Liverpool attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Gundogan to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Nainggolan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Silva/Hazard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Liverpool fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Mandzukic with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Strootman/Gundogan/Nainggolan, and capitalise on the space Mandzukic's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mandzukic - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Nainggolan off, Gustavo on. An extra DM as we switch to a flat 4-5-1, Gundogan and Gustavo drop deeper alongside Strootman as we shut up shop. Silva moves to RM with Hazard at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Nainggolan off, Mata on. Change to a 4-2-3-1, Gundogan and Strootman the sitting CM's, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. Mata to RW, Silva to AM, Hazard at LW, more space for Zabaleta/Gaya to get forward. Get closer to Mandzukic to create chances.
If losing: Sokratis and Strootman off, Mata and Lukaku on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, Zabaleta - Howedes - Gaya the back three, Gundogan the deep playmaker, Mata - Silva - Hazard - Schurrle behind a front two of Mandzukic and Lukaku. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.
EVERTON v Newcastle
Line Up:
Kivrak
Arbeloa Dragovic Schar Maxwell
Fred Toulalan
Keita Lamela Muniain
Rossi
Captain: Toulalan
Penalties: Rossi
Free Kicks: Lamela
Corners: Lamela
Substitutes: Karius; Jung; Denswil; De Jong; Guilavogui; Guerreiro; Barbosa
Game Plan:
A tricky first tie against a very adept attacking side. We know that they like to start off the game at a vicious tempo so we will need to be organised and solid to deal with the early onslaught.
Fred and Toulalan will need to be on top of their form in this fixture as they will have the important job of holding the line in front of the defence. Toulalan is a superb holding midfielder which will free up Fred, who will look to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, closing down the ball and harrying the opposition. The front three of Keita, Lamela and Muniain will be expected to drop deep when we are not in possession, forming a flat 4-5-1, and they will each man-mark an opponent - we don't want any free black & white shirts near our area!
In Arbeloa and Maxwell, we have two very experienced and reliable full backs who will provide a lot of the marshaling we will need at the back but, due to their age, pace is not on their side any more so we will need to play a deep formation to compensate for the athletic advantage that Newcastle have.
This will leave us with a large space between Rossi and the rest of the team. We do not want our lone attacker to be isolated so we will look to break with pace and efficiency. We will look to play the ball in to Rossi's feet quickly so that he can play the ball on to one of our pacey wide options. From there, we can break in numbers, with Keita and Muniain attacking the full backs, Rossi looking for space in the middle and Lamela and Fred providing creative support.
Once the initial Newcastle pressure has subsided, we will look to play at a lower tempo. We have plenty of technically gifted players and we will use these players to keep Newcastle off the ball and frustrate their players.
Simple pass and move football is the name of the game here; we want a fluid midfield working as a unit to keep the ball moving in to space - nothing too adventurous, we don't want to make forward passes that are going to be easily picked up - and forcing Newcastle's structure apart.
We will look to dominate the possession stats in our first home game. If Newcastle come out and press us, we will move the ball backwards and look to stretch their formation until clear spaces present themselves and we can hit them with pace. If, however, they are content to sit back and let us have the ball, then we have plenty of confident, technical players who are capable of unlocking defences with pinpoint passing, or smashing the ball in to the net from 30 yards out.
Ideally, our play will be fluid and we will be equally adept switching between our possession game when Newcastle are dropping deeper and a ruthless counter attacking unit when they attempt to bombard us.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Gabriel Barbosa for Rossi: Gabriel has the flair and pace to really hurt defences if they are not careful. On the ball, he is a force to be reckoned with and he will be looking primarily to bring our wide men in to the game, preferably behind the Geordie defence.
75 minutes: Guilavogui for Toulalan: Guilavogui will provide more energy in midfield. Combining with the tireless Fred, this should give us a mobile midfield capable of going toe-to-toe with Newcastle's.
80 minutes: Guerreiro for Muniain: Quick and direct, but also very good defensively - Guerreiro will proove to be a diverse option down the left flank.
WEEK TWO TACTICS START HERE
----------------------De Gea---------------------
Darmian-----Bonucci-----Chiellini-----Ricardo
----------------Vidal---------Pogba--------------
Sanchez-------------James------------Memphis
----------------------Aguero----------------------
Rulli, Laporte, Bender, Marchisio, El Ghazi, Milner, Dybala
In goal De Gea, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Chiellini alongside Bonucci is as good a partnership you will see in the league, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside not only brings experience but also he is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.
Ricardo and Darmian at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
We go with Vidal and Pogba in the centre of midfield, two absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down the AM and second most advanced CM , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then Pogba or Vidal will drive on into support James and Aguero, the other will stay back just in case Both good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Memphis and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and James and Aguero. Quick passing from the two as to not be shut down by the Wolves midfielders.
Sanchez and Memphis both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Aguero. Neymar focusses more on the skill and powerful running to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use James and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.
James is given a free role today to try and break them down, and if Wolves go with 3 guys in the middle he simply drops in as well when they attack, if not he will drift all over as to make it difficult for his marker to pick him up, as he drifts this will leave holes in the Wolves midfield for us to take advantage of. He will look to drive forward when he can with either Pogba/Vidal with him as they look to support Aguero, they and Aguero will cause a lot of problems, he will pass to the CF and look to move into fantastic positions for Aguero to get him in in on goal, when we defend I want him to run down the DM looking to keep him off the ball and force him into mistakes.
Wolves have a quality trio in midfield so we must match them they come forward, do not give them any time on the ball as they could hurt us.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Wolves side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar, James and Sanchez running into support.
A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.
Captain - Chiellini
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - James
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - El Ghazi for Memphis, new threat, fresh legs, and Dybala on for James he sits just behind Aguero but the two interchange
80 Mins - Ricardo move into LM, play 3 at the back, El Ghazi to the RM and Sanchez-Aguero-Dybala up front 343 (if we score back to original formation)
Winning -
75 Mins - Bender for James, sit in behind Vidal and Pogba
80 Mins - Milner for Memphis
85 Mins - Dybala for Aguero
Drawing -
70 Mins - Marchisio for Vidal
75 Mins - El Ghazi for Memphis
80 Mins - Dybala for James, switch with Aguero, but again they interchange for the final ten
Birmingham vs Man Utd
Injuries:
Marouane Fellaini
Dries Mertens
Alvaro Negredo
Douglas Costa
…………………………………………….Hart………………………………
De Sciglio………….Garay………..Alderweireld……..Davies
………………………………………De Rossi…………………………
………………………Delph……………………….Hamsik…………..
……………………………………….Berardi……………………………
…………………………..Cavani……………..Martinez……………..
Subs: Zieler, Nastasic, Inler, Salah, Lavezzi, Defoe, Menez
Bit of a switch around today after our disgraceful defeat to Sjoke, at the hands of Rex, have gone back to a solid 4-4-2 diamond as we look to hold the centre ground and take the sting out of the opposition
The Set-up:
I know people say that the diamond can be too narrow and too rigid, but I disagree, it’s about the personnel used that is important, not the general shape of the team, our full-backs are good modern full-backs in that yes they can defend but they are potent getting forwards, Delph and Hamsik have great work rate and will comfortably be able to drift wide (attacking & defending) so again being narror isn’t really an issue, plus we have 2 central strikers and a #10 that are all pretty fluid, Berardi and Cavani can both play anywhere across the front 3 so they’ll also look to drift wide giving us “faux-width” enabling Jackson to monster the central defenders
The Opposition:
Marky Mark is a great guy, without a shadow of a doubt the nicest poster to have have posted on here and on V2
Not really scouted his team – but having seen his team on the DL I know he likes a nice strong set-up with a good experienced spine….with this in mind I feel our diamond is the best option for us to neutralise the middle ground and make the wide areas crucial, BUT he can’t score from out there
Individual Roles:
Captain – De Rossi
Corners – Hamsik
Free Kicks – Hamsik
Pens – Cavani
Joe Hart
Standard stuff…nothing fancy play his usual game
De Sciglio
Back over on his favoured right hand side….up and down all game giving our “narrow” set-up some much need width, defensively will show his man the line, going forwards will occupy the opposition full back forcing their CB to drift with Cavani/Berardi
Garay/Alder
Two solid ball playing centre-backs, Zonal marking in place rather than man-to-man….Garay is the “first knock” defender putting his body on the line to get to the ball first, whilst Alder will be the covering defender, sweeping up any loose balls
Ben Davies
Is there a better Welsh footballer than this man? I can’t think of any….will basically mirror De Sciglio on the other side,
De Rossi
The Captain – Will anchor the midfield, doesn’t have the legs for his marauding runs anymore, but will sit nicely infront of the defence, breaking up play, and moving the ball on nicely
Delph
The Engine….100% the most honest,hard-working LOYAL midfielder in world football, his word is his bond and breaks it for no-one, will box-box for us today, drifting wide when required to support De Sciglio, a Class footballer and a class person
Hamsik
The Playmaker – Other than his hair, this man oozes class, can pick a pass, or drive it forwards himself, Like Delph will drift wide when needs be but I prefer his late runs into the box feeding off the likes of Cavani/Martinez…any loose balls within 25 yards are there to be hit and this lad leaves the ball hit
Berardi
The #10…..I know he generally plays wider, but I think he’ll do a grand job centrally, good turn of pace, good acceleration, nice touch and an eye for goal, this kid is gonna be a star….as mentioned earlier I expect to see him drifting wide – this gives our side some width but it also makes him very difficult to pick up as he drifts wide before cutting inside and letting rip with that sweet left foot of his
Cavani
Played on the wing last week, but he’s back in the middle today, good touch for a big lad and surprisingly quick, Although starting off in the middle, Like Berardi I want to see him drifting wide, pulling his marker with his and engineering more space for Jackson to operate in
Jackson
Giving him another chance this week, Last week he couldn’t finish his dinner let alone anything else, but it’s a confidence thing, today we’re set up differently and we’ll look to feed him in as often as possible…such a beast of a player, will really give Utd’s defenders nightmares
Subs:
As per usual our subs are mainly like for like as we don’t do “knee-jerk” the system will work
65 Mins
Inler > Delph – Less of a lung-buster, but adds more muscle without losing a ball player, lovely player is Inler
Salah > Berardi – Speed freak and 100% Judas replaces Berardi, fresh legs as he looks to surge forwards from deep and penetrate (behave) Marky’s defence
Lavezzi > Jackson – Zekki comes un and gives us more natural width, a very clever player, capable of the sublime and frustrating in equal measure…but it means I get Hamsik,Cavani and Lavezzi on the same team
Front 3 for the final 25 mins
Salah…………Cavani………Lavezzi
Flat front 3, 2 proper wingers and Cavani as a proper target-man….if losing it’s likely to create more chances of an equaliser…if winning will help extend our lead
The end, 879 words this week, 877 of outright waffle
------------------------Muslera
--Jedvaj--------------Ginter-------------Lombaerts
------------------------Bazoer
---------Clasie----------------------Höjbjerg
Lucas Moura-------Óliver Torres------Felipe Anderson
-------------------------Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Reyes, Klaassen, De Arrascaeta, Kampl, Rolan, Calleri
Captain: Lombaerts
Corners: Lucas Moura/ Felipe Anderson
Free Kicks: Lucas Moura
Injured
Héctor Herrera
Roberto Firmino
Jeroen Zoet
Adam Clayton
Matías Kranevitter - Suspended
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 Villa’s back line.
Muslera is a gifted composed keeper who commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and effective manner.
The trio of Jedvaj, Ginter & Lombaerts 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 they will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and equally technically gifted with the ball at their feet.
In front of this defensive trio, Bazoer will play as the defensive midfielder who if required will be comfortable in slipping into the defence. 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 Höjbjerg and Clasie who are both fine passing footballers. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Lucas Moura on the right, Felipe Anderson on the left and Torres down the centre to run onto.
When we are on the back foot so to speak Höjbjerg and Clasie will drop much deeper and so on – technically becoming a 3-3-3-1 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.
Höjbjerg and Clasie have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.
Lucas Moura, Torres & Felipe Anderson have no defensive worries in this match, with our solid 3 defenders and 3 midfielders allowing this kind of freedom. 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 go 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 Luciano Vietto and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.
All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the opposition back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.
Luciano Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders. With licence to drop deep and combine with our 3 attacking midfielders so expect some exciting attacking threats across the width of the pitch.
Subs:
70th minute: Kampl on for Lucas Moura
80th Minute: De Arrascaeta on for Torres
Subs are in many ways like for likes - but fresh legs in key attacking areas to keep the pressure on the opponents defence.
----------------Cech--------------
Alves---Koscienly---Luiz---Clichy
--------------Busquets-----------
-----------Yaya----Rakitic-------
--Robben---------------Sterling--
----------------Rooney-------------
Subs:
Valdes
Schmelzer
Musacchio
Fernando
Pirlo
Pritchard
Carroll
Tactics overall:
We play a quick tempo pass and move football using high energy as our key to victory. We press high with players like Rooney sterling using their high energy to press from the front and unsettling the opposition defence and giving them no time to build from the back. High energy from all players is key moving into space to make options when we have the ball and the midfield and defence quickly getting tight to opposition when they have the ball to give them no time without commuting themselves. We have quality passers as our cm trio who can keep the ball when nothing is on but always looking to play that key pass to the ever moving front 3.
Defence:
Koscienly will man mark the likley lone striker , Koscienly uses his strength height and anticipation to keep them always at arms length giving him very little room getting tight at all times not committing himself though. Luiz plays as the spare cb anticipating danger making sure he's always in the right place to watch opposition midfield runs and help Koscienly when needed. Luiz and Koscienly are good ball playing defenders who can help us keep comfortable possession when needed but look to get ball to the midfield quickly. Alves will get forward when we have the ball and support the attacks using his excellent attacking ability to make overlapping wide runs and using his quality passing to get our players into scoring positions. Alves providing width and dynamic runs down the wing will give more space for Robben to cut inside. Alves will always have to be ready to get back when needed and defend and not get caught out defensively but Busquets and Luiz can help cover for him. Clichy will get forward and be a wide passing option without over committing himself but always using his pace to get back quickly when needed.
Midfield:
Busquets plays in DM sitting in front of the back four breaking down play and not getting forward. He's also excellent on the ball to either help keep possession for the team or make the incisive killer pass. Rakitic and Yaya will use high energy to close opposition down when we don't have the ball giving them no time to build attacks. Yaya and Rakitic can both get forward but won't both go at same time if one makes forward run the other sits back. Yaya and Rakitic both using passing ability to feed the front 3 then immediately move into space so they can receive the ball. Rackitic will be the main playmaker for the team dictating tempo and Yaya will be the set piece expert.
Attack:
Sterling is always on the move never staying in one position using his pace stamina and intelligence to find space. When Sterling isn't out wide Clichy can help provide the width for the team. Sterling will work hard to find space when he does he will look for the runs of others if nothing on he will look to be direct and attack the opposition with pace. Robben will look to cut in from the wing using his great judgment to make late movement from wide positions Into space. Robben is truly worldclass he will run at Southampton doing quick one Twos with quality players like Rooney to get in behind their defence. Rooney is a great all round player and the team will always look to give him chances whether it's in the air, to feet or in behind the defence he's capable of scoring from any situation. Rooney will always be on the move looking to get into space but if he's getting too many markers this will create space for others like sterling and Robben using his quality passing ability to get them in behind
Subs:
If winning 70 Pirlo comes on for Yaya and plays DM next to Busquets and helps protect the back 4 and the whole team plays more defensive to try and see out the win
If losing 70 Carroll comes on for Yaya and we change to a 4-4-2 with Carroll and Rooney upfront with the team more attacking and direct
If drawing 70 Pirlo comes on for Busquets and adds that extra bit of quality against tired legs making key passes from deep
Any score 70 Pritchard on for sterling, we have a lot of faith in this young man and we are gonna give him chance on debut he will be full of energy and determination against tired defenders
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
Stoke v PORTSMOUTH
Line Up:
Neuer
Lahm Hummels Marquinhos Kurzawa
Schweinsteiger Xhaka
Navas Goetze Hazard
Mandzukic
Subsititutes: Meret; Bellerin; Asamoah; Goretzka; Fekir; Arnold; Alcacer
Captain: Lahm
Penalties: Hazard
Free Kicks: Hazard
Corners: Navas
Game Plan:
Stoke away from home is never going to be a walk in the park but we are going in to this match thinking that anything less than three points will be a disappointment.
We will be prepared for Stoke to play in the same aggressive, adventurous side that saw them nick the three points away to Birmingham, so we don't want them to settle in to a rhythm away from home so we will employ the pressing game that made Pep Guardiola's Barcelona such a handful to deal with.
We will be smart about our pressing game, today; not over exerting ourselves by looking to double or even triple team players in key areas of the pitch to force them in to making mistakes.
If the play is on the wings; the full back, winger and central midfielder on that side of the line up will press towards the player in possession. One will look to contend for possession and two will look to cover close behind, aiming to block off any possible avenues. In conjunction with this, the other central midfielder will begin to push in closer and Goetze and Mandzukic will drop deeper to occupy a midfield position and man mark one of the Stoke midfielders so that they can't make space for their players by overloading the midfield with red and white shirts.
If play is being dictated through the centre of the pitch, we want both of our midfielders pushing towards the ball - we want to do this quickly and efficiently so that they are rushing play. In order to not give Arsenal plenty of space to work with, Goetze will again drop deeper in order to mark a Stoke midfielder, while Mandzukic will harass the Stoke defence as he has done so well for Simeone's A.Madrid. The two wingers will drop back and push infield so that we will have 5 bodies crowding the centre of the pitch and our full backs will try to push the Stoke wide men to the touchline so that they cannot be used as an easy outlet. Ideally, this should give us a 5 against 3 scenario with our formation compact and Stoke's spread out and fractured.
We want our full backs going toe-to-toe with their wingers. They will be able to do this as they will be confident in knowing that there will always be two players covering close by, should they be beaten or the ball played to another Stoke player. They should be tough in the tackle and look to stand their opposite number up, pushing them away from goal and away from the centre of the pitch.
Hummels will man mark the centre back - sticking to him like glue. This will free up Marquinhos to utilise his pace to sweep behind or in front of the centre forward as he sees fit - either cleaning up loose balls or dropping off to prevent any runs from coming in behind our defence.
Our attack will need to be quick and efficient. We have not set up to play a possession game today so most of our offence will likely be on the counter. With this in mind, we have opted to start Jesus Navas so that his pace can pin back his opposing left back. If the Stoke left back is caught wandering up the pitch then Navas' pace will be enough to punish his lapse in concentration, sprinting down the line with the ball and cutting/crossing it in for Mandzukic to apply the finishing touches.
We want to base our attack around a pacey breakout and we will have Mandzukic sitting up top as a target man to aim at. Mario will be looking to collect the ball and ward off the Stoke defenders before playing in another attacker. Goetze will play off Mandzukic - looking for knock downs and through balls so that he can run at the Arsenal defence and cause problems.
Hazard will be given a free role in this game. He will have his duties defensively but, in attack, he will be allowed the freedom to roam in to more dangerous areas in order to cause disruption in the opposition defence.
We don't want to over-extend our play in attack so our midfielders will work in conjunction with our full backs. When Xhaka pushes forward, Schweinsteiger will drop deep and Lahm will push forward, providing support from deep and looking to play as an outlet. When Schweinsteiger pushes up, Kurzawa will also push up and look to play on the overlap with Hazard. This will give us numbers in attack but provide us with a constant back 3 and a covering midfielder. Our play will be fast and direct so we will not need to push too many men forward unless we get to the final 15 minutes and we are losing the game - in which case it's all out attack.
Substitutions:
75 minutes: Bellerin for Schweinsteiger: Lahm will move in to a holding midfield role with Bellerin occupying the right back spot. He and Kurzawa will look to cause problems on the overlap.
80 minutes: Goretzka for Xhaka, Alcacer for Mandzukic: Goretzka will operate as a deep lying playmaker, spraying passes out wide and stretching the opposition. Alcacer will play off the last man and look to play as a poacher in order to grab a late goal.
Lloris
Carvajal Ramos Varane Marcelo
Javi Modric
Ox Ozil Ribery
Benzema
Subs: Krul, Mertesacker, VDW, Coquelin, Lallana, Illarra, Giroud
Subs:
75 - Lallana for Ribery
75 - Coquelin for Modric
GAME PLAN
I want us to play a direct pressing game. This will entail moving the ball about quickly and getting it to our target player as soon as possible. I want us to use the wings as much as possible when on the attack. We must close down the opposition with immediate effect, pressuring them off the ball and forcing mistakes. The centre of the field will have players capable of winning the midfield battle by using their physique, skill and power to overrun the opposition. This game is all about limiting their options at the centre of the field and then releasing the ball to the creative players. We have slightly less pace on the pitch than usual but we will be able to use our winners to open up the opposition. They will be looking to move the ball forward as quick as possible so by using the skill of our players, we can take advantage of any space left.
Off the ball we need to force them into making mistakes. This means keeping the game tight and stopping the opposition any freedom on the ball. Push the opposition out wide and back towards their goal. I want them to be so pressured that every time they collect the ball there is someone on them. I want them to get frustrated and physical so we increase the chances of them having a player sent off.
I want us to play dirty in order to get the frustration out of them and open more space for our side to take advantage of. This means being a bit extra physical in our tackles. I also want us to look for a penalty when in the box by diving when possible. We need to get the goals so if the opportunity arises we need to take advantage of it.
If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.
Positional Tactics
Our full backs defensively need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. They need to cancel them out and limit the opportunities for them to make runs and collect the ball in good areas. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.
Our centre backs need to keep with the strikers, stay in command of their play. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box and runners that have cut inside. Offensively only go up for corners.
We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Javi must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Javi to go forward. Modric has the freedom to move forward in order to create that extra option. He needs to control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option.
Our attacking midfielder will be Ozil who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.
Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Ox should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.
Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.
Pens: Benzema
Long FK: Ozil
Short FcK: Ozil
Corners: Ozil
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Tactics
Page 1 of 65
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posted on 14/7/15
BM
posted on 14/7/15
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 14/7/15
------------------------Muslera
--Jedvaj--------------Ginter-------------Lombaerts
-----------------------Kranevitter
---------Herrera----------------------Höjbjerg
Kampl----------------Firmino----------Felipe Anderson
-------------------------Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Reyes, Wimmer, Clasie, Klaassen, Torres, Rolan
Captain: Hector Herrera
Corners: Kampl / Felipe Anderson
Free Kicks: Kampl
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 Bournemouth’s back line.
Muslera is a gifted composed keeper who commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and effective manner.
The trio of Jedvaj, Ginter & Lombaerts 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 Matías Kranevitter when required and they will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and equally technically gifted with the ball at their feet.
In front of this defensive trio, Kranevitter will play as the defensive midfielder who if required will be comfortable in slipping into the defence (a la Mascherano style). Kranevitter 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 Kranevitter we have Höjbjerg and Hector Herrera who are both fine passing footballers. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Kampl on the right, Felipe Anderson on the left and Firmino down the centre to run onto.
When we are on the back foot so to speak Höjbjerg and Herrera will drop much deeper and so on – technically becoming a 3-3-3-1 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.
Höjbjerg and Herrera have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.
Kampl, Firmino & Felipe Anderson 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 go 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 Luciano Vietto and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.
All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the opposition back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.
Luciano Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders. With licence to drop deep and combine with our 3 attacking midfielders so expect some exciting attacking threats across the width of the pitch.
Subs:
70th minute: Clasie on for Höjbjerg
80th Minute: Óliver Torres on for Firmino
posted on 15/7/15
My tactics on old page
posted on 15/7/15
BM
posted on 15/7/15
----------------Cech--------------
Alves----Cahill---Luiz----Clichy
--------------Busquets-----------
-----------Yaya----Rakitic-------
--Sterling---------------Eriksen--
-----------------Kane--------------
Subs:
Valdes
Schmelzer
Musacchio
Fernando
Mason
Chadli
Ballotelli
Tactics overall:
We play a quick tempo pass and move football using high energy as our key to victory. We press high with players like Kane sterling eriksen using their high energy to press from the front and unsettling the opposition defence and giving them no time to build from the back. High energy from all players is key moving into space to make options when we have the ball and the midfield and defence quickly getting tight to opposition when they have the ball to give them no time without commuting themselves. We have quality passers as our cm trio who can keep the ball when nothing is on but always looking to play that key pass to the ever moving front 3.
Defence:
Cahill will man mark the likley lone striker in Bony, Cahill uses his strength height and anticipation to keep Bony always at arms length giving him very little room getting tight at all times not committing himself though. Luiz plays as the spare cb anticipating danger making sure he's always in the right place to watch opposition midfield runs and help Cahill when needed. Luiz and Cahill are good ball playing defenders who can help us keep comfortable possession when needed but look to get ball to the midfield quickly. Alves will get forward when we have the ball and support the attacks using his excellent attacking ability to make overlapping wide runs and using his quality passing to get our players into scoring positions. Alves will always have to be ready to get back when needed and defend and not get caught out defensively but Busquets and Luiz can help cover for him. Clichy will get forward and be a wide passing option without over committing himself but always using his pace to get back quickly when needed.
Midfield:
Busquets plays in DM sitting in front of the back four breaking down play and not getting forward. He's also excellent on the ball to either help keep possession for the team or make the incisive killer pass. Rakitic and Yaya will use high energy to close opposition down when we don't have the ball giving them no time to build attacks. Yaya and Rakitic can both get forward but won't both go at same time if one makes forward run the other sits back. Yaya and Rakitic both using passing ability to feed the front 3 then immediately move into space so they can receive the ball. Rackitic will be the main playmaker for the team dictating tempo and Yaya will be the set piece expert.
Attack:
Sterling is always on the move never staying in one position using his pace stamina and intelligence to find space. When Sterling isn't out wide Alves can help provide the width for the team. Sterling will work hard to find space when he does he will look for the runs of others if nothing on he will look to be direct and attack the opposition with pace. Eriksen will look to cut in from the left using his great judgment to make late movement from wide positions Into dangerous areas. When Eriksen is in dangerous areas he's equally as dangerous at making a goal and scoring a goal. Kane is a great all round player and the team will always look to give him chances whether it's in the air, to feet or in behind the defence he's capable of scoring from any situation. Kane will always be on the move looking to get into space but if he's getting too many markers this will create space for others like sterling.
Subs:
If winning 70 Fernando comes on for Yaya and plays DM next to Busquets and helps protect the back 4 and the whole team plays more defensive to try and see out the win
If losing 70 Ballotelli comes on for Yaya and we change to a 4-4-2 with Ballotelli and Kane upfront with the team more attacking and direct
If drawing 70 Mason comes on for Yaya and adds extra energy and determination to the team
Any score 70 Chadli on for Eriksen and play same formation with Chadli using his pace and strength to be direct and attack the tiring opposition unless winning
posted on 15/7/15
Balanced 4-5-1. Counter attack.
First day of the season, we come with a game plan to beat City. We lineup, with an energetic side, full of power.
Firs ten minutes, we fire out the blocks, don’t let City settle, pressurising them all over the park. Using our power to get in City’s faces and knock them off their stride. Let them know they are in for a fight.
Following a strong end to the season, and some new big signings the mood in the camp is high. We have pace and quality in attack. Once the game settles, we aim to counter attack, using the pace of our attacking midfielders and full backs, and Bony as a target man to hold up and link the play. Playing with two strong defensive midfielders gives our fbs and attacking midfielders freedom to bomb forward in attack.
Our strength and power will also pose a huge threat from set pieces, 7 outfield players 6 foot or over, we will tower over City, a relatively soft/small team.
Attacking quickly, with pace. Exposing the space City leave behind them as they come forward. Catching their defence on the back foot, and looking to run at their defenders.
----------------- Oblak
Danilo – Manolas – Otamendi – Bernat
-------- T.Motta – McCarthy
----------- Ander Herrera
A.di Maria -------------------- J.Draxler
---------------- W.Bony
Subs. Butland, Vermaelen, Banega, Cheryshev, Calhanoglu, Jese, Zaza
We come knowing how we expect the game to plan out, and have a gameplan to stick to overcome City. We know with their midfield trio they will control possession, but they are missing a few key players, and have players who like to come inside on the wings. Even Alves from Rb, likes to come inside to central positions in attack. Our two defensive midfielders, and rigid defence will be key here. Leaving no space for City, who will crowd themselves out.
Defending in numbers
The back four defend rigidly and narrow, knowing that City’s players don’t like to go down the outside. In front of the back four, the intelligence and energy of McCarthy, next to the defensive nous and strength of Motta. In front Ander also provides great work rate and will be the one to close down the ball.
Motta picks up the most attacking/advanced midfieder, Yaya most likely, and will will win the challenges with him with his strength and desire. McCarthy covers the space in front of the cb on the side of the ball, sweeping up any danger that comes his way.
The two wide men, come deep and narrow to defend. Ensuring there is no space for City. Always looking to win the ball or intercept and break at speed.
Oblak has the perfect attributes for this match, shot stopping and distribution are his strengths, we look to limit City to chances from distance, and break quickly.
The back four possess great pace and power. This will help us be first to every ball, outmuscling, outnumbering and outthinking the opposition with our tactical defence. This coupled with our rigid formation, not leaving any space, we feel City lack the pace and agility to run through us, as if they beat one man, a second will be there to win the ball. We don’t let City get close to our box, and if we do, the strength of our cbs will be vital.
Bony will look to defend from the top when the City cbs are on the ball, they are prone to error, put them under pressure.
Attack.
Counter attacking. Getting the ball to our attacking midfielders. In the opposition half, they have the freedom of the pitch, and come inside, support Bony as much as possible and outnumber them in the centre. Running at the opposition defence, putting them under pressure and forcing their players to come out of position.
Ander will be there to link it up with the AMS. Running at the opposition with pace, with them running back towards their own goal, we will be difficult to defend against. Looking to get at them when they are out of position, and pull them further out of position.
The two pacey fbs bomb forward to provide width, looking to get their quickly and outnumber City.
Motta deep, almost as 3rd cb, McCarthy in front. Our midfield have great ability on the ball, Motta and Ander have the ability to ping long balls to Bony and our wide men, setting us immediately on the front foot.
The composure of our central trio will also be important in relieving pressure, when the counter is not on, the trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. Exposing the gaps in their midfield.
Bony will always look to get in the box and away from his marker.
Set pieces will also be a hugely important part of our attack. Di Maria taking the set pieces.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 65 mins bring on Jese for Draxler. Fresh injection of pace on the left. Impact player.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Cheryshev for Bony. Jese st. More pace, as City push for equalizer more pace to expose them.
If winning after 76 mins bring on Banega for Ander. More grit in midfield and fresh legs.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Calhanoglu for Ander. Attacking threat, more creative, and long shot and fk master to shoot!
If losing after 60 mins bring on Calhanoglu and Banega for Motta and McCarthy. Ander and Banega cm. All out win.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Jese for Ander. Di Maria to AM with Calhanoglu, Banega dm. Gung Ho.
posted on 17/7/15
Birmingham City 4-3-3
Injuries:
Marouane Fellaini
Mattia De Sciglio
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Dries Mertens
………………………………………..Hart…………………………………..
Srna……………Garay……………Alderweireld………….Davies
…………………………………….De Rossi…………………………….
……………………….Ramsey…………………..Hamsik………………..
Berardi………………………Martinez………………………Cavani
Subs: zieler, Richards, Nastasic, Inler, Salah, Negredo, Defoe
Opening game of the season at home to midlands rivals stoke, Managed by the lazy left wing, corduroy wearing fake Brummie Rex, Rexerson
Pretty none existing pre-season for our boys but we’re fit and raring to go
Slight change of system as we no longer look to be on the defensive, Our side is set up with a solid spine, a nice strong defence and an attack which boasts a bit of everything
General game-plan
Possession football, but not for possession sakes, the ball is to be moved forwards quickly and smartly, backwards and sidewards although acceptable is not the primary function, have looked at Rex’s squad and whilst he has some talent going forwards we feel his defence can be gotten at and that is why our inverted triangle today is so important, as we look to put their deep-lying playmakers under pressure early on, looking to win the ball back higher up the pitch, and auto starting counter-attacks quickly
Individual Roles:
Joe Hart – No fancy stuff in goal today from the Head Shoulders user……quick off his line dealing with any loose through balls, will look to quickly recycle possession, either going long to the forwards or short punchy throw outs to the full backs.
Srna/Davies – Normally give my full backs free licence to attack but today they’re tasked with being defence first….. can push when safe to do so as long as they’re covered by the midfield or we’re safely in possession, standard stuff really showing their man the line and forcing the pass backwards or a cross into our centre-backs.
Garay/Alder – Not sure how Rex will line it up so it’s good old zonal marking not man to man, both comfortable in possession which always helps, but both are capable of doing the dirty tasks….whoever is picking up Icardi feel free to give him a good kicking, if Rex complains kick him too.
De Rossi – The emperor – Normally all action, but today he’s getting a rest will sit in front of the defence acting as a shield, flying into tackles as he always does, and picking out his “hollywood passes” a mans man and a proper captain, another who can chalk Icardi’s name onto his hitlist
Ramsey – He’s the midfielder De Rossi used to be, up and down all game like a Duracell bunny. A proper box-box midfielder with an eye for goal, his late surging runs into the box are key for us today being as we have a fantastic target man in Jackson up-front.
Hamsik – Whilst De Rossi provides the muscle, Rambo the energy, Hamsik has the guile, a proper play-maker, will link the defence to the attack, spreading the play or driving forwards himself, this man can do a bit of everything.
Berardi/Cavani – Line up as wingers, but realistically they’re anything but, start off wide but will be given the freedom to drift infield and attack the spaces between FB & CB as we look to over-load, Stokes defence. Both men have an eye for goal and will be encouraged to chance their arm at will, defensively will drop back as far as half-way, before passing their man onto Rambo/Hamsik
Jackson – Typical target man, quick and strong, very direct, not sure what else to add……he is what he is, and we want that brute strength being a thorn in the side of Stokes defence today, as we batter them into submission
Substitutions
All subs are at 65 mins regardless – Fresh legs you see as the system will work
Inler > De Rossi
Salah > Cavani
Negredo > Jackson
Love and Peace
posted on 18/7/15
-----------------------De Gea---------------------
Chambers----Bonucci----Chiellini----Ricardo
-----------March------Vidal------Pogba---------
Sanchez-------------Aguero-------------Neymar
Rulli, Laporte, Bender, James, Depay, Morata, Dybala
In goal De Gea our new number 1, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Chiellini alongside Bonucci is as good a partnership you will see in the league, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside not only brings experience but also he is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.
Ricardo and Chambers at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
We go with a midfield 3 of Marchisio, Vidal and Pogba three absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield going man for man, Vidal will pick up ythe most advanced midfielder the second most advanced will be picked up by one of the other two depending what side he goes to thus allowing our 3rd player to be free to close down the DM if he decideds to roam , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there playrs any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then two of the three will drive forward leaving one behind they will drive on into support Aguero, the other will stay back just in case of any break aways, however the other two will get back due to ther impressive workrate. All three good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Neymar and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Aguero and the wingers cutting in. Quick passing from the three as to not be shut down by the Villa midfielders.
Sanchez and Neymar both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Aguero. Neymar focusses more on the tricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use the CMs and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.
Villa have a quality trio in midfield so we must match them they come forward, do not give them any time on the ball as they could hurt us.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Portsmouth side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front three will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Sanchez running into support. With our Cms making dangerous runs into the area also
A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.
Captain - Chiellini
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing
75 Mins - Morata for Marchisio 4-4-2 Morata up top with Aguero
85 Mins - Dybala for Ricardo 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Bender for Marchisio, sit in behind Pogba and Vidal
85 Mins - Morata for Aguero
Drawing
75 Mins - James for MArchisio look to get the ball into dangerous positions
80 Mins - Morata for Aguero
posted on 18/7/15
----------------------Buffon
Juanfran--Miranda--Godin--Coentrao
-----------------Fernandinho
---------Fabregas---Henderson
Walcott---------------------------Nasri
-------------------Sturridge
Subs
Perin, Rojo, Parejo, Perez, Candreva, Callejon, Higuain
Tactical Overview
For the first 20 minutes of each half we are going to try and blitz the opposition, pressing them all over the pitch and using the pace in attack to try and catch them cold, then then settling down into a 3 quarter press allowing the opposition CB's and keeper have the ball as much as they want.
Keeper
When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the simple pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.
Full Backs
Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, preferring to play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch.
Centre Backs
Godin will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played to him, with Miranda concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Miranda will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Godin making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.
Centre Mids
The midfield 3 will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/AMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Wingers
When they are off the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space before using their pace to make runs between the CB and FB. then when they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Sturridge, they should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.
Striker
When attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, he will be looking to get between the defender and the ball and then use his strength to make sure he stays ahead of the defender to create a chance/shot or draw a foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingersto cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.
Set Pieces
Corners - Fabregas takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Sturridge work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a free run at the ball, Walcott and Nasri flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed or underhit touches. Fernandinho looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving around the 6 yard box. Henderson takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Fabregas takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Fabregas is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
72 mins - Perez for Nasri - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
85 + 87 Mins - Higuain for Sturridge and Parejo for Henderson - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Losing
71 Mins - Higuain, Mustafi and Callejon for Coentrao, Walcott and Juanfran - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.
posted on 18/7/15
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 18/7/15
ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
A balanced 4-2-3-1, with players that will really attack the opposition, but more importantly will play a high pressing game in important areas of the park.
Lacazette will be key today, in fantastic form, he always scores important goals. Kroos lines up in the CAM role behind Lacazette, and their fantastic work-rate off the ball will be vital in ensuring we keep the opposition in areas they can’t hurt us. In addition, if the opposition utilises a deep-lying playmaker, we want Kroos to do everything to nullify his threat.
We want our central trio to dominate possession, looking to control the game in the middle of the park. As we advance into the final third we will seek to attack down the wings, target their full backs.
Our formation ensures that the wingers offer cover against the oppositions full backs if they attack. And likewise, going forward the full backs and wingers work as a pair to double up on the opposition full backs.
——————— ter Stegen
Piszczek — Toprak — Smalling — Shaw
————— Khedira — Cazorla
Koke ————— Kroos ————— Reus
——————— Lacazette
SUBS: Begovic, Martins Indi, Can, Sneijder, Kagawa, De Bruyne, Vela
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Toni Kroos
Crossing free-kicks: Toni Kroos
Shooting free-kicks: Santi Cazorla
Penalties: Marco Reus
Building on a strong compact formation, we play with plenty of width, seeking to stretch the opposition, and attack down the wings. Khedira and Cazorla can stamp their authority in the middle of the park, offering the defence the protection it needs but more importantly orchestrating our play.
We attack with a high tempo, using the pace we having going forward. We will be direct in our attacking play in the opposition half, this coupled with our width will stretch the opposition. We seek to create spaces and gaps in the oppositions midfield, and defence allowing us to get Kroos and Lacazette in dangerous areas in the opposition third.
The formation is rigid in defence, fluid in attack. On each side one full back / winger keeps the width, the other has license to come inside. Lacazette and Cazorla will always be seeking to link up with the wide players. Lacazette and Kroos are key to our attacking play, looking for fast combination layoffs with the wide men and Cazorla.
Generally short passes out from defence, a centre mid will look to pick up the ball and play it out wide, preferably to the full back getting forward. In the middle of the park we look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide, as we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half.
Attacking movement in the final third is key. One of the full backs or wingers running inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling the opposition defenders out of position. Coming inside we look to whip the ball in behind the opposition defence, or play a cute through ball. When going wide, if possible get to the by line at the 18 yard box, from there we have a greater chance of finding Lacazette / Kroos / opposite winger or Cazorla at edge.
Defence.
Control the space. When they do have possession, ensure it’s in areas that can’t hurt us.
The first point of defence should be in in the opposition half, as we look to play a high pressing game. Force them to go long or take risks. We want to catch them out, winning possession in areas we can hurt them.
As soon as they move the ball out of the first third, to the middle section of the park we want to press. Keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape at this point, Lacazette, Kroos and one of Koke / Reus will look to close down the opposition depending where the opposition are. The winger on the opposite flank comes in narrow, ensuring there is no space in the centre.
When their deep midfielders come deep to get the ball, Lacazette and one of wingers / Kroos shut out the space in front of them, force them back to their defenders as our other four midfielders and full backs will pick up their players.
Although we press high up the park, the defence will ensure that as the opposition advance further up the park, the line drops deep so there is no space in behind. As the opposition advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1.
Khedira drops in between defence and midfield, sweeping in between the lines. His energy and reading will be best utilised in this position. Cazorla and Kroos in center mid. This shape ensures that when one of our midfielders do press we will still always have 4 midfielders behind, to cover, particularly in the important central areas.
We always want at least one more defender than the opposition has attacker. One full backs get forward at a time. The other stays in line with Khedira, ready to break forward. Guarding against counters, allows us to get players back if possession changes quickly.
Our full backs up against their quick wide forwards are to drop off more so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. Show him down the line to block the cross. If he does manage to get past the full back, there’s a chance to stop the cross.
Attack.
Passing simple in our own third. Playing short and on the deck where possible. If we go long, look to find our wingers, using their pace to get in behind. Seek to target their full backs in the final third.
Generally direct going forward, in the opposition half we will always look to go forward and stretch the opposition where possible.
Kroos will always look to find space in between the the opposition midfield and defence, where he can get on the ball, link up with others and look to create.
Lacazette up top will play his natural game. He loves running at the opposition.
SUBS
If winning after 75 mins bring on Can for Cazorla. Fresh legs, and will help us dominate possession in a more reserved 4-3-3 with Kroos dropping back.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on De Bruyne for Khedira. Fresh legs to ensure we continue at a high tempo with Kroos dropping back into DM to control the tempo.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Vela for Koke. His directness and pace will be a real asset as the game opens up and he can really pick passes and finish well.
posted on 18/7/15
PORTSMOUTH v Arsenal
----------------------Neuer----------------------
Lahm---------Pepe----Hummels-----Kurzawa
-----------Schweinsteiger----Xhaka-----------
Navas--------------Goetze---------------Turan
-----------------Lewandowski------------------
Captain: Schweinsteiger
Vice Captain: Hummels
Penalties: Lewandowski
Free Kicks: Goetze
Corners: Turan
Substitutes: Meret; Marquinhos; Asamoah; Krychowiak; Barkley; Arnold; Coman
Game Plan:
A big opening day tie against the reigning Champions and we want to signal our intent to contend for the Champions League by taking the game to our much venerated opposition today.
We don't want them to settle in to a rhythm away from home so we will employ the pressing game that made Pep Guardiola's Barcelona such a handful to deal with.
We will be smart about our pressing game, today; not over exerting ourselves by looking to double or even triple team players in key areas of the pitch to force them in to making mistakes.
If the play is on the wings; the full back, winger and central midfielder on that side of the line up will press towards the player in possession. One will look to contend for possession and two will look to cover close behind, aiming to block off any possible avenues. In conjunction with this, the other central midfielder will begin to push in closer and Goetze and Lewandowski will drop deeper to occupy a midfield position and man mark one of the Arsenal midfielders so that they can't make space for their players by overloading the midfield with red and white shirts.
If play is being dictated through the centre of the pitch, we want both of our midfielders pushing towards the ball - we want to do this quickly and efficiently so that they are rushing play. In order to not give Arsenal plenty of space to work with, Goetze will again drop deeper in order to mark an Arsenal midfielder, while Lewandowski will cover the Arsenal back line so that they can't play the ball backwards. The two wingers will drop back and push infield so that we will have 5 bodies crowding the centre of the pitch and our full backs will try to push the Arsenal wide men to the touchline so that they cannot be used as an easy outlet. Ideally, this should give us a 5 against 3 scenario with our formation compact and Arsenal's spread out and fractured.
We want our full backs going toe-to-toe with their wingers. They will be able to do this as they will be confident in knowing that there will always be two players covering close by, should they be beaten or the ball played to another Arsenal player. They should be tough in the tackle and look to stand their opposite number up, pushing them away from goal and away from the centre of the pitch.
Pepe will man mark the centre back - sticking to him like glue. This will free up Hummels to sweep behind or in front of the centre forward as he sees fit - either cleaning up loose balls or dropping off to prevent any runs from coming in behind our defence.
Our attack will need to be quick and efficient. We have not set up to play a possession game today so most of our offence will likely be on the counter. With this in mind, we have opted to start Jesus Navas so that his pace can pin back his opposing left back. If the Arsenal left back is caught wandering up the pitch then Navas' pace will be enough to punish his lapse in concentration, sprinting down the line with the ball and cutting/crossing it in for Lewandowski to apply the finishing touches.
We want to base our attack around a pacey breakout and we will have Lewandowski hugging the shoulder of the last defender, looking for his opportunity to spin and run clear of the defence, or to hold up the ball and play it to another attacker. Goetze will play off Lewandowski - looking for knock downs and through balls so that he can run at the Arsenal defence and cause problems.
Turan will look to alternate between cutting infield and providing support and taking his man on in order to provide the cross. When he cuts inside, he will be encouraged to play more as a striker and look to play as a poacher behind Lewandowski.
We don't want to over-extend our play in attack so our midfielders will work in conjunction with our full backs. When Xhaka pushes forward, Schweinsteiger will drop deep and Lahm will push forward, providing support from deep and looking to play as an outlet. When Schweinsteiger pushes up, Kurzawa will also push up and look to play on the overlap with Turan. This will give us numbers in attack but provide us with a constant back 3 and a covering midfielder. Our play will be fast and direct so we will not need to push too many men forward unless we get to the final 15 minutes and we are losing the game - in which case it's all out attack.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Asamoah for Navas - Goetze will switch to the right in a 4-3-3. Asamoah will go LCM and Schwinsteiger will drop deep. The 3 man midfield should help with closing up the midfield and preventing Arsenal from playing through us.
75 minutes: Krychowiak for Schweinsteiger: This move will free up Asamoah and Xhaka to push forward more and be more adventurous.
80 minutes: Coman for Turan: Pacey and direct, we will be hoping Coman will provide some late actions against a tired defence.
posted on 18/7/15
——————————————Ryan
Azpilicueta———Nkoulou———————Boateng———Luis
—————————Matic—————Kondogbia
————Coutinho——————————————Griezmann
——————————Aubameyang——Costa
4-3-3 in some attacks with Aubameyang wide right and Coutinho ACM
Subs: Hassen, Denayer, Verratti, Oscar, Garcia, B.Traore, Mitrovic
Captain: Diego Costa
Free Kicks: Philippe Coutinho/Felipe Luis
Corners: Philippe Coutinho
Penalties: Diego Costa
First game of the season at home and its important to lay down a marker to show this season is going to be even better. We want to give a very powerful performance, beating United off the Anfield turf.
We will begin our defending in our half with high pressure on their midfield, using Costa, Aubameyang, Coutinho and Griezzman to press the CMs, two pressing, one closing off the nearest wide option and the other holding station a little deeper to cut off easy central passes, leave no time and space to pick their passes and make them rush the ball into the midfield area where we make it impossible to play through, first to every lose ball. Once the ball is played we want Griezmann and Coutinho using their high work rates, dropping in and joining Matic and Kondogbia in getting on top of the United midfield, pressing them quickly, closing off all the spaces, hunting in packs and winning the ball quickly, whilst Costa and Aubameyang presses the CMs, acting as a shield to slow down United’s possession in the midfield. If the ball is moved into wider areas then our midfield push across looking to keep things compact and surround United on the flank, with the FB also pushing up to shut off space, and the AM on that side coming across to help with the FB, if their wingers cut in Matic, Kondogbia and the other AM is always there ready to close off the route to goal, with the strikers closing off the pass into midfield. Slow the game right down when they have the ball, draw them forward slowly, patiently wait for the opportunity to step in, the higher up they get, the more rigid we become, opting then to mark space rather than the man and give them no where to go, waiting for a loose ball we can tae advantage of.
Defending the midfield area is the key, their biggest strength can be turned into their main weakness with their AMs all wanting to play in between the lines in central areas, we will make the midfield battle very compact and give them no room. Matic and Kondogbia will look to bully these guys, never allowing them room between the lines, tackling hard and imposing their authority, especially on Hazard. Coutinho and Griezzman will drop back and give us 4 vs 3(4 if their CM attacks) and from there we make things slow and create lots of broken sequences of play. Hazard is difficult to stop, we expect them to try get him coming from wide too, as already said we surround them on the flanks in these cases, Azpi is the perfect player to go man to man with Hazard in these scenarios and he will always be baked up by Coutinho, Matic and co. When going up against the wingers our FBs are quick into them, always standing up and showing them down the line, blocking the crosses or stepping in as soon as the ball is played to the winger and putting us straight on the front foot. We start with a very rigid back line, tight together to leave no gaps for the tricky United players to get round the side, making our injury weakness our strength by having a very mobile CB pairing who won’t let players in around them. We have seen how useless Mandzukic became at Bayern playing possession football, we will make sure the same happens today, slowing Uniteds game down and making sure he is marked out of the game, given no chance to link play or have a sniff at goal, if a CB is beaten the FBs are close by and ready to step in.
As soon as the ball is won we want to stretch them, the front 4 are involved in defending which means they’re together, allowing for much faster link up play. Coutinho and Greizmann look to use their trickery to break out from defensive positions, Griezmann looking to use his pace to get into space quickly and link up with the strikers, whilst Coutinho takes advantage of a weakness in the opposition defensive midfield area to get between them and he will pull the strings. We have the option for quick balls up to the strikers who have the beating of the CMs, Costa using his great strength to bring the others in around him and Aubameyang stretching the game with his pace, similarly to Griezmann by attacking the space, either centrally or down the flanks. Once we get out of the initial defensive phase this is where we can really hurt them, having the 4 players free in space to attack the remaining defensive line. Coutinho looks to be the creator, getting into pockets of space in the midfield where he can pull the strings. Costa will look to bully the CBs, holding the ball up and bringing others in or using his movement to make a run in on goal or pull off to the flanks allowing Griezmann/Aubameyang space to run inside. These two will be key weapons for us, firstly as they provide pace and running to stretch the game into wide areas but also as they have a predators instinct, they make strikers runs into the box from wide, getting between FB and CB and they are clinical inside the box, all 4 of these players have freedom in attack to link up and take United apart. Matic and Kondogbia provide stability in possession, if we can’t break at pace we don’t, we hold onto it with these two and Coutinho, Kondogbia using his powerful running to drive into space when he can, whilst both FBs are able to get forward when we attack down their flank and provide excellent deliveries or quick combo play to open them up in the channels. If we struggle push Costa higher and go longer. We fancy our chances of outscoring United on the break.
Subs:
If Winning: Oscar for Aubameyang 70’, we move into a permanent 4-5-1 with Griezmann right, Coutinho left, make sure to nullify the midfield battle. Garcia for Coutinho 75’, extra power to bully United, if they start to use the flanks more we have it covered. Mitrovic for Costa 85’, fresh legs, great hold up play.
If Drawing: Oscar for Coutinho 70’, fresh legs. Garcia and Mitrovic for Griezmann and Aubameyang 75’, we will look to use the physical side of our game in attacks, FBs forward get lots of crosses in, Garcia, Mitrovic, Costa in the box will cause untold trouble.
If Losing: Verratti and Oscar for Kondogbia and Aubameyang 65’, look to be move the ball quickly in the midfield, Coutinho and Griezmann wide to stretch things, take hold of possession more and make things happen. Garcia for Coutinho 75’, get balls into the box for him, Costa and Griezmann.
posted on 18/7/15
-------------------Patricio-------------------
Ivanovic--J.Stones---Jagielka--J.Hector
------------------Wanyama-----------------
Willian----Cabaye-----Morgan-----Ayoze
-------------------Llorente------------------
Dragowski, Van Dijk, Cleverley, Witsel, Rodrigo, Odegaard, Ings
here we go again, a new season, a few changes to our midfield and attack and hopefully for the better!
The back 4 however does stay the same only injury keeping Baines out, but understudy Jonas Hector is a German International so a good replacement..
The back 4 is pretty solid with youth and experience especially in the middle where John Stones is vital, Jagielka talks him through but it is Stones who will do the marking job on there striker, he is young and fit, fast and powerful so the striker will have a tough match, with Jagielka talking him through he should be fine, a lot has been sid about Jagilekas age, but we feel he is a vital part of our team, his experience will prove vital, he helps Stones keep the middle of the defence inpenetrable. Ivanovic and Hector are solid fullbacks they xdont let alot passed them and they must keep this way today, fantastic defenders and also very useful going forward, especially Ivanovic who is a good outlet when he moves forward.
We revert back to Wanyama sitting in front of the defence, a tactic tahta did well for us last season. He patrols the area between defence and half way line, he controls that area and keeps the oppositoion away from our area. He is helped by Cabaye and Schneidederlin in what we feel is a very xgood midfiled trio. Having Wanyama in there allows Morgan andCabaye a little bit more freedom to venture forward and allows them to get xinto the box to support Llorente. There movement is vital for us, they xmust time there runs to perfection as ws cannot affort to be caught out of position..Good in the ttackle also so will be very hard to break down.
Willan takes up his usual spot on the right but AYoze Perez comes in on the left, a very tricky player with alot in his locker, will be a handful for there right back, Willian is a very hard working winger and has a top relationship with Ivanovic so the two will look to dominate the right hand side and pose numerous problems for them. We goive |Ayoze freedom on the left, really just to have a rightxx good go at xthem and try and get the ball into Llorente.
Llorente is a big powerful boy who we want to dominate the CBs really go toe to toe with them and get into positions thats our wingers will find him in, will out jump the CBs if he times his runs right, and a very goos shot on him also.
Our Captain for the season is Phil Jagielka
Yohan Cabaye will take the penalties and free kicks
Willian and Ayoze the corners
Subtitutes
If we are losing then Axel Witsel will come on for Wanyama and into midfield, allowing Cabaye to move further up on 70 minutes
Ings will then come on for Cabaye on 80 and play beside Llorentte and Rodrigo on for Perez at the same time
If we are winning then Cleverley on for Cabaye on 80 minutes
Drawing Witsel for Cabaye, Rodrigo for Perez on 70 minutes and Ings for Llorente on 80
Red Cards
Perez will come off
Dragowski will rreplace Patricio
Van Dijk a defender, if it is a fullback then Stones will move to fullback
a central midfielder then we go twith two
a winger thenCAbaye will move out wide, and Llorente, well Cabaye move wide and Ayoze replaced by Ings
posted on 18/7/15
Liverpool v MANCHESTER UNITED
Injuries: Mathieu Debuchy, Nathan Redmond, Wayne Rooney, Nevan Subotic
-----------------Handanovic
Zabaleta - Sokratis - Howedes - Gaya
-----------------Strootman
---------Gundogan - Nainggolan
D.Silva-----------------------------Hazard
----------------Mandzukic
Subs: Szczesny, Dier, Blind, Gustavo, Mata, Schurrle, Lukaku
-----------------
Huge game to begin the new season away to Liverpool, going with the plan of dominating the midfield to give ourselves the best possible chance of success, we also have a few improvements compared to the previous setup which gives us a stronger attack. Handanovic in goal as our new number one, Zabaleta at right back to significantly improve us in that position, an all new midfield with David Silva the opposite flank to Eden Hazard which gives us two of the best inverted wingers in the league providing support to the striker.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting off to a flier this season. Liverpool have some world class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Strootman, Gundogan and Nainggolan, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. David Silva at RW and Eden Hazard at LW both able to cut inside and get at the Liverpool defence with Zabaleta/Gaya overlapping. Mandzukic upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Handanovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Mandzukic.
Sokratis/Howedes - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Sokratis to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Strootman to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Zabaleta/Gaya - Both of you to force the Liverpool wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva/Hazard as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Mandzukic and link with Strootman/Nainggolan/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Strootman - Playing as the defensive midfielder, able to assist the defenders in dealing with the Liverpool attack but isn't just someone who can break up play, I want you to win possession then immediately look to retain possession with Gundogan and Nainggolan, also look for Silva, Hazard or Mandzukic making runs.
Gundogan/Nainggolan - Both of you playing the box to box role, both assist the CB's and Strootman in dealing with the Liverpool attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Gundogan to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Nainggolan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Silva/Hazard - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Liverpool fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Mandzukic with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Strootman/Gundogan/Nainggolan, and capitalise on the space Mandzukic's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mandzukic - you will be expected to occupy the Liverpool centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Nainggolan off, Gustavo on. An extra DM as we switch to a flat 4-5-1, Gundogan and Gustavo drop deeper alongside Strootman as we shut up shop. Silva moves to RM with Hazard at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Nainggolan off, Mata on. Change to a 4-2-3-1, Gundogan and Strootman the sitting CM's, look to push for the winner without overcommitting. Mata to RW, Silva to AM, Hazard at LW, more space for Zabaleta/Gaya to get forward. Get closer to Mandzukic to create chances.
If losing: Sokratis and Strootman off, Mata and Lukaku on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, Zabaleta - Howedes - Gaya the back three, Gundogan the deep playmaker, Mata - Silva - Hazard - Schurrle behind a front two of Mandzukic and Lukaku. Push for goals in this "must not lose" game.
posted on 18/7/15
EVERTON v Newcastle
Line Up:
Kivrak
Arbeloa Dragovic Schar Maxwell
Fred Toulalan
Keita Lamela Muniain
Rossi
Captain: Toulalan
Penalties: Rossi
Free Kicks: Lamela
Corners: Lamela
Substitutes: Karius; Jung; Denswil; De Jong; Guilavogui; Guerreiro; Barbosa
Game Plan:
A tricky first tie against a very adept attacking side. We know that they like to start off the game at a vicious tempo so we will need to be organised and solid to deal with the early onslaught.
Fred and Toulalan will need to be on top of their form in this fixture as they will have the important job of holding the line in front of the defence. Toulalan is a superb holding midfielder which will free up Fred, who will look to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, closing down the ball and harrying the opposition. The front three of Keita, Lamela and Muniain will be expected to drop deep when we are not in possession, forming a flat 4-5-1, and they will each man-mark an opponent - we don't want any free black & white shirts near our area!
In Arbeloa and Maxwell, we have two very experienced and reliable full backs who will provide a lot of the marshaling we will need at the back but, due to their age, pace is not on their side any more so we will need to play a deep formation to compensate for the athletic advantage that Newcastle have.
This will leave us with a large space between Rossi and the rest of the team. We do not want our lone attacker to be isolated so we will look to break with pace and efficiency. We will look to play the ball in to Rossi's feet quickly so that he can play the ball on to one of our pacey wide options. From there, we can break in numbers, with Keita and Muniain attacking the full backs, Rossi looking for space in the middle and Lamela and Fred providing creative support.
Once the initial Newcastle pressure has subsided, we will look to play at a lower tempo. We have plenty of technically gifted players and we will use these players to keep Newcastle off the ball and frustrate their players.
Simple pass and move football is the name of the game here; we want a fluid midfield working as a unit to keep the ball moving in to space - nothing too adventurous, we don't want to make forward passes that are going to be easily picked up - and forcing Newcastle's structure apart.
We will look to dominate the possession stats in our first home game. If Newcastle come out and press us, we will move the ball backwards and look to stretch their formation until clear spaces present themselves and we can hit them with pace. If, however, they are content to sit back and let us have the ball, then we have plenty of confident, technical players who are capable of unlocking defences with pinpoint passing, or smashing the ball in to the net from 30 yards out.
Ideally, our play will be fluid and we will be equally adept switching between our possession game when Newcastle are dropping deeper and a ruthless counter attacking unit when they attempt to bombard us.
Substitutions:
70 minutes: Gabriel Barbosa for Rossi: Gabriel has the flair and pace to really hurt defences if they are not careful. On the ball, he is a force to be reckoned with and he will be looking primarily to bring our wide men in to the game, preferably behind the Geordie defence.
75 minutes: Guilavogui for Toulalan: Guilavogui will provide more energy in midfield. Combining with the tireless Fred, this should give us a mobile midfield capable of going toe-to-toe with Newcastle's.
80 minutes: Guerreiro for Muniain: Quick and direct, but also very good defensively - Guerreiro will proove to be a diverse option down the left flank.
posted on 24/7/15
WEEK TWO TACTICS START HERE
posted on 24/7/15
----------------------De Gea---------------------
Darmian-----Bonucci-----Chiellini-----Ricardo
----------------Vidal---------Pogba--------------
Sanchez-------------James------------Memphis
----------------------Aguero----------------------
Rulli, Laporte, Bender, Marchisio, El Ghazi, Milner, Dybala
In goal De Gea, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.
Chiellini alongside Bonucci is as good a partnership you will see in the league, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside not only brings experience but also he is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.
Ricardo and Darmian at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.
We go with Vidal and Pogba in the centre of midfield, two absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down the AM and second most advanced CM , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then Pogba or Vidal will drive on into support James and Aguero, the other will stay back just in case Both good on the ball with a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Memphis and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and James and Aguero. Quick passing from the two as to not be shut down by the Wolves midfielders.
Sanchez and Memphis both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Aguero. Neymar focusses more on the skill and powerful running to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use James and wait for the return. Both very dangerous and with support from there respective fullbacks we will be a danger out wide. When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.
James is given a free role today to try and break them down, and if Wolves go with 3 guys in the middle he simply drops in as well when they attack, if not he will drift all over as to make it difficult for his marker to pick him up, as he drifts this will leave holes in the Wolves midfield for us to take advantage of. He will look to drive forward when he can with either Pogba/Vidal with him as they look to support Aguero, they and Aguero will cause a lot of problems, he will pass to the CF and look to move into fantastic positions for Aguero to get him in in on goal, when we defend I want him to run down the DM looking to keep him off the ball and force him into mistakes.
Wolves have a quality trio in midfield so we must match them they come forward, do not give them any time on the ball as they could hurt us.
Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Wolves side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar, James and Sanchez running into support.
A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.
Captain - Chiellini
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - James
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
Losing
70 Mins - El Ghazi for Memphis, new threat, fresh legs, and Dybala on for James he sits just behind Aguero but the two interchange
80 Mins - Ricardo move into LM, play 3 at the back, El Ghazi to the RM and Sanchez-Aguero-Dybala up front 343 (if we score back to original formation)
Winning -
75 Mins - Bender for James, sit in behind Vidal and Pogba
80 Mins - Milner for Memphis
85 Mins - Dybala for Aguero
Drawing -
70 Mins - Marchisio for Vidal
75 Mins - El Ghazi for Memphis
80 Mins - Dybala for James, switch with Aguero, but again they interchange for the final ten
posted on 24/7/15
Birmingham vs Man Utd
Injuries:
Marouane Fellaini
Dries Mertens
Alvaro Negredo
Douglas Costa
…………………………………………….Hart………………………………
De Sciglio………….Garay………..Alderweireld……..Davies
………………………………………De Rossi…………………………
………………………Delph……………………….Hamsik…………..
……………………………………….Berardi……………………………
…………………………..Cavani……………..Martinez……………..
Subs: Zieler, Nastasic, Inler, Salah, Lavezzi, Defoe, Menez
Bit of a switch around today after our disgraceful defeat to Sjoke, at the hands of Rex, have gone back to a solid 4-4-2 diamond as we look to hold the centre ground and take the sting out of the opposition
The Set-up:
I know people say that the diamond can be too narrow and too rigid, but I disagree, it’s about the personnel used that is important, not the general shape of the team, our full-backs are good modern full-backs in that yes they can defend but they are potent getting forwards, Delph and Hamsik have great work rate and will comfortably be able to drift wide (attacking & defending) so again being narror isn’t really an issue, plus we have 2 central strikers and a #10 that are all pretty fluid, Berardi and Cavani can both play anywhere across the front 3 so they’ll also look to drift wide giving us “faux-width” enabling Jackson to monster the central defenders
The Opposition:
Marky Mark is a great guy, without a shadow of a doubt the nicest poster to have have posted on here and on V2
Not really scouted his team – but having seen his team on the DL I know he likes a nice strong set-up with a good experienced spine….with this in mind I feel our diamond is the best option for us to neutralise the middle ground and make the wide areas crucial, BUT he can’t score from out there
Individual Roles:
Captain – De Rossi
Corners – Hamsik
Free Kicks – Hamsik
Pens – Cavani
Joe Hart
Standard stuff…nothing fancy play his usual game
De Sciglio
Back over on his favoured right hand side….up and down all game giving our “narrow” set-up some much need width, defensively will show his man the line, going forwards will occupy the opposition full back forcing their CB to drift with Cavani/Berardi
Garay/Alder
Two solid ball playing centre-backs, Zonal marking in place rather than man-to-man….Garay is the “first knock” defender putting his body on the line to get to the ball first, whilst Alder will be the covering defender, sweeping up any loose balls
Ben Davies
Is there a better Welsh footballer than this man? I can’t think of any….will basically mirror De Sciglio on the other side,
De Rossi
The Captain – Will anchor the midfield, doesn’t have the legs for his marauding runs anymore, but will sit nicely infront of the defence, breaking up play, and moving the ball on nicely
Delph
The Engine….100% the most honest,hard-working LOYAL midfielder in world football, his word is his bond and breaks it for no-one, will box-box for us today, drifting wide when required to support De Sciglio, a Class footballer and a class person
Hamsik
The Playmaker – Other than his hair, this man oozes class, can pick a pass, or drive it forwards himself, Like Delph will drift wide when needs be but I prefer his late runs into the box feeding off the likes of Cavani/Martinez…any loose balls within 25 yards are there to be hit and this lad leaves the ball hit
Berardi
The #10…..I know he generally plays wider, but I think he’ll do a grand job centrally, good turn of pace, good acceleration, nice touch and an eye for goal, this kid is gonna be a star….as mentioned earlier I expect to see him drifting wide – this gives our side some width but it also makes him very difficult to pick up as he drifts wide before cutting inside and letting rip with that sweet left foot of his
Cavani
Played on the wing last week, but he’s back in the middle today, good touch for a big lad and surprisingly quick, Although starting off in the middle, Like Berardi I want to see him drifting wide, pulling his marker with his and engineering more space for Jackson to operate in
Jackson
Giving him another chance this week, Last week he couldn’t finish his dinner let alone anything else, but it’s a confidence thing, today we’re set up differently and we’ll look to feed him in as often as possible…such a beast of a player, will really give Utd’s defenders nightmares
Subs:
As per usual our subs are mainly like for like as we don’t do “knee-jerk” the system will work
65 Mins
Inler > Delph – Less of a lung-buster, but adds more muscle without losing a ball player, lovely player is Inler
Salah > Berardi – Speed freak and 100% Judas replaces Berardi, fresh legs as he looks to surge forwards from deep and penetrate (behave) Marky’s defence
Lavezzi > Jackson – Zekki comes un and gives us more natural width, a very clever player, capable of the sublime and frustrating in equal measure…but it means I get Hamsik,Cavani and Lavezzi on the same team
Front 3 for the final 25 mins
Salah…………Cavani………Lavezzi
Flat front 3, 2 proper wingers and Cavani as a proper target-man….if losing it’s likely to create more chances of an equaliser…if winning will help extend our lead
The end, 879 words this week, 877 of outright waffle
posted on 24/7/15
------------------------Muslera
--Jedvaj--------------Ginter-------------Lombaerts
------------------------Bazoer
---------Clasie----------------------Höjbjerg
Lucas Moura-------Óliver Torres------Felipe Anderson
-------------------------Vietto
Subs: Nyland, Reyes, Klaassen, De Arrascaeta, Kampl, Rolan, Calleri
Captain: Lombaerts
Corners: Lucas Moura/ Felipe Anderson
Free Kicks: Lucas Moura
Injured
Héctor Herrera
Roberto Firmino
Jeroen Zoet
Adam Clayton
Matías Kranevitter - Suspended
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 Villa’s back line.
Muslera is a gifted composed keeper who commands his area, and distributes the ball in a very intelligent and effective manner.
The trio of Jedvaj, Ginter & Lombaerts 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 they will always have plenty of options when looking to distribute the ball. All 3 are strong in the air and equally technically gifted with the ball at their feet.
In front of this defensive trio, Bazoer will play as the defensive midfielder who if required will be comfortable in slipping into the defence. 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 Höjbjerg and Clasie who are both fine passing footballers. They will look to play a quick passing style of play, playing beautifully timed balls for Lucas Moura on the right, Felipe Anderson on the left and Torres down the centre to run onto.
When we are on the back foot so to speak Höjbjerg and Clasie will drop much deeper and so on – technically becoming a 3-3-3-1 formation. We aim to use this flexibility to tinker with the formation according to how the game pans out.
Höjbjerg and Clasie have more than enough pace to get back into shape again and thwart any possible counters.
Lucas Moura, Torres & Felipe Anderson have no defensive worries in this match, with our solid 3 defenders and 3 midfielders allowing this kind of freedom. 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 go 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 Luciano Vietto and each other as they are at creating chances for themselves.
All 3 have tremendous engines and the intentions are to batter the opposition back line until they have no option but to submit to this constant attacking threat from the right, left and straight down the middle.
Luciano Vietto’s movement, technique and clinical finishing are hallmarks of his game, and whilst he is certainly quick, as the old adage goes the first two yards are in your head and Vietto’s intelligence and off the ball movement often allows him to steal a march on defenders. With licence to drop deep and combine with our 3 attacking midfielders so expect some exciting attacking threats across the width of the pitch.
Subs:
70th minute: Kampl on for Lucas Moura
80th Minute: De Arrascaeta on for Torres
Subs are in many ways like for likes - but fresh legs in key attacking areas to keep the pressure on the opponents defence.
posted on 24/7/15
----------------Cech--------------
Alves---Koscienly---Luiz---Clichy
--------------Busquets-----------
-----------Yaya----Rakitic-------
--Robben---------------Sterling--
----------------Rooney-------------
Subs:
Valdes
Schmelzer
Musacchio
Fernando
Pirlo
Pritchard
Carroll
Tactics overall:
We play a quick tempo pass and move football using high energy as our key to victory. We press high with players like Rooney sterling using their high energy to press from the front and unsettling the opposition defence and giving them no time to build from the back. High energy from all players is key moving into space to make options when we have the ball and the midfield and defence quickly getting tight to opposition when they have the ball to give them no time without commuting themselves. We have quality passers as our cm trio who can keep the ball when nothing is on but always looking to play that key pass to the ever moving front 3.
Defence:
Koscienly will man mark the likley lone striker , Koscienly uses his strength height and anticipation to keep them always at arms length giving him very little room getting tight at all times not committing himself though. Luiz plays as the spare cb anticipating danger making sure he's always in the right place to watch opposition midfield runs and help Koscienly when needed. Luiz and Koscienly are good ball playing defenders who can help us keep comfortable possession when needed but look to get ball to the midfield quickly. Alves will get forward when we have the ball and support the attacks using his excellent attacking ability to make overlapping wide runs and using his quality passing to get our players into scoring positions. Alves providing width and dynamic runs down the wing will give more space for Robben to cut inside. Alves will always have to be ready to get back when needed and defend and not get caught out defensively but Busquets and Luiz can help cover for him. Clichy will get forward and be a wide passing option without over committing himself but always using his pace to get back quickly when needed.
Midfield:
Busquets plays in DM sitting in front of the back four breaking down play and not getting forward. He's also excellent on the ball to either help keep possession for the team or make the incisive killer pass. Rakitic and Yaya will use high energy to close opposition down when we don't have the ball giving them no time to build attacks. Yaya and Rakitic can both get forward but won't both go at same time if one makes forward run the other sits back. Yaya and Rakitic both using passing ability to feed the front 3 then immediately move into space so they can receive the ball. Rackitic will be the main playmaker for the team dictating tempo and Yaya will be the set piece expert.
Attack:
Sterling is always on the move never staying in one position using his pace stamina and intelligence to find space. When Sterling isn't out wide Clichy can help provide the width for the team. Sterling will work hard to find space when he does he will look for the runs of others if nothing on he will look to be direct and attack the opposition with pace. Robben will look to cut in from the wing using his great judgment to make late movement from wide positions Into space. Robben is truly worldclass he will run at Southampton doing quick one Twos with quality players like Rooney to get in behind their defence. Rooney is a great all round player and the team will always look to give him chances whether it's in the air, to feet or in behind the defence he's capable of scoring from any situation. Rooney will always be on the move looking to get into space but if he's getting too many markers this will create space for others like sterling and Robben using his quality passing ability to get them in behind
Subs:
If winning 70 Pirlo comes on for Yaya and plays DM next to Busquets and helps protect the back 4 and the whole team plays more defensive to try and see out the win
If losing 70 Carroll comes on for Yaya and we change to a 4-4-2 with Carroll and Rooney upfront with the team more attacking and direct
If drawing 70 Pirlo comes on for Busquets and adds that extra bit of quality against tired legs making key passes from deep
Any score 70 Pritchard on for sterling, we have a lot of faith in this young man and we are gonna give him chance on debut he will be full of energy and determination against tired defenders
posted on 24/7/15
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 25/7/15
Stoke v PORTSMOUTH
Line Up:
Neuer
Lahm Hummels Marquinhos Kurzawa
Schweinsteiger Xhaka
Navas Goetze Hazard
Mandzukic
Subsititutes: Meret; Bellerin; Asamoah; Goretzka; Fekir; Arnold; Alcacer
Captain: Lahm
Penalties: Hazard
Free Kicks: Hazard
Corners: Navas
Game Plan:
Stoke away from home is never going to be a walk in the park but we are going in to this match thinking that anything less than three points will be a disappointment.
We will be prepared for Stoke to play in the same aggressive, adventurous side that saw them nick the three points away to Birmingham, so we don't want them to settle in to a rhythm away from home so we will employ the pressing game that made Pep Guardiola's Barcelona such a handful to deal with.
We will be smart about our pressing game, today; not over exerting ourselves by looking to double or even triple team players in key areas of the pitch to force them in to making mistakes.
If the play is on the wings; the full back, winger and central midfielder on that side of the line up will press towards the player in possession. One will look to contend for possession and two will look to cover close behind, aiming to block off any possible avenues. In conjunction with this, the other central midfielder will begin to push in closer and Goetze and Mandzukic will drop deeper to occupy a midfield position and man mark one of the Stoke midfielders so that they can't make space for their players by overloading the midfield with red and white shirts.
If play is being dictated through the centre of the pitch, we want both of our midfielders pushing towards the ball - we want to do this quickly and efficiently so that they are rushing play. In order to not give Arsenal plenty of space to work with, Goetze will again drop deeper in order to mark a Stoke midfielder, while Mandzukic will harass the Stoke defence as he has done so well for Simeone's A.Madrid. The two wingers will drop back and push infield so that we will have 5 bodies crowding the centre of the pitch and our full backs will try to push the Stoke wide men to the touchline so that they cannot be used as an easy outlet. Ideally, this should give us a 5 against 3 scenario with our formation compact and Stoke's spread out and fractured.
We want our full backs going toe-to-toe with their wingers. They will be able to do this as they will be confident in knowing that there will always be two players covering close by, should they be beaten or the ball played to another Stoke player. They should be tough in the tackle and look to stand their opposite number up, pushing them away from goal and away from the centre of the pitch.
Hummels will man mark the centre back - sticking to him like glue. This will free up Marquinhos to utilise his pace to sweep behind or in front of the centre forward as he sees fit - either cleaning up loose balls or dropping off to prevent any runs from coming in behind our defence.
Our attack will need to be quick and efficient. We have not set up to play a possession game today so most of our offence will likely be on the counter. With this in mind, we have opted to start Jesus Navas so that his pace can pin back his opposing left back. If the Stoke left back is caught wandering up the pitch then Navas' pace will be enough to punish his lapse in concentration, sprinting down the line with the ball and cutting/crossing it in for Mandzukic to apply the finishing touches.
We want to base our attack around a pacey breakout and we will have Mandzukic sitting up top as a target man to aim at. Mario will be looking to collect the ball and ward off the Stoke defenders before playing in another attacker. Goetze will play off Mandzukic - looking for knock downs and through balls so that he can run at the Arsenal defence and cause problems.
Hazard will be given a free role in this game. He will have his duties defensively but, in attack, he will be allowed the freedom to roam in to more dangerous areas in order to cause disruption in the opposition defence.
We don't want to over-extend our play in attack so our midfielders will work in conjunction with our full backs. When Xhaka pushes forward, Schweinsteiger will drop deep and Lahm will push forward, providing support from deep and looking to play as an outlet. When Schweinsteiger pushes up, Kurzawa will also push up and look to play on the overlap with Hazard. This will give us numbers in attack but provide us with a constant back 3 and a covering midfielder. Our play will be fast and direct so we will not need to push too many men forward unless we get to the final 15 minutes and we are losing the game - in which case it's all out attack.
Substitutions:
75 minutes: Bellerin for Schweinsteiger: Lahm will move in to a holding midfield role with Bellerin occupying the right back spot. He and Kurzawa will look to cause problems on the overlap.
80 minutes: Goretzka for Xhaka, Alcacer for Mandzukic: Goretzka will operate as a deep lying playmaker, spraying passes out wide and stretching the opposition. Alcacer will play off the last man and look to play as a poacher in order to grab a late goal.
posted on 25/7/15
Lloris
Carvajal Ramos Varane Marcelo
Javi Modric
Ox Ozil Ribery
Benzema
Subs: Krul, Mertesacker, VDW, Coquelin, Lallana, Illarra, Giroud
Subs:
75 - Lallana for Ribery
75 - Coquelin for Modric
GAME PLAN
I want us to play a direct pressing game. This will entail moving the ball about quickly and getting it to our target player as soon as possible. I want us to use the wings as much as possible when on the attack. We must close down the opposition with immediate effect, pressuring them off the ball and forcing mistakes. The centre of the field will have players capable of winning the midfield battle by using their physique, skill and power to overrun the opposition. This game is all about limiting their options at the centre of the field and then releasing the ball to the creative players. We have slightly less pace on the pitch than usual but we will be able to use our winners to open up the opposition. They will be looking to move the ball forward as quick as possible so by using the skill of our players, we can take advantage of any space left.
Off the ball we need to force them into making mistakes. This means keeping the game tight and stopping the opposition any freedom on the ball. Push the opposition out wide and back towards their goal. I want them to be so pressured that every time they collect the ball there is someone on them. I want them to get frustrated and physical so we increase the chances of them having a player sent off.
I want us to play dirty in order to get the frustration out of them and open more space for our side to take advantage of. This means being a bit extra physical in our tackles. I also want us to look for a penalty when in the box by diving when possible. We need to get the goals so if the opportunity arises we need to take advantage of it.
If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.
Positional Tactics
Our full backs defensively need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. They need to cancel them out and limit the opportunities for them to make runs and collect the ball in good areas. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.
Our centre backs need to keep with the strikers, stay in command of their play. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box and runners that have cut inside. Offensively only go up for corners.
We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Javi must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Javi to go forward. Modric has the freedom to move forward in order to create that extra option. He needs to control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option.
Our attacking midfielder will be Ozil who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.
Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Ox should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.
Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.
Pens: Benzema
Long FK: Ozil
Short FcK: Ozil
Corners: Ozil
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