Gameiro and higuain up front

It should read that in the very last sentence sorry

---------------------------Trapp------------------------
----Piszczek---Howedes---Laporte---Blind----
------------------Wanyama---Rabiot---------------
----Mirallas--------------Gotze------------Kono'--
-----------------------------Icardi---------------------
Subs: Batalla, Mbaye, Lovren, Kranevitter, Witsel, Rodriguez, Modeste.

Looking to thwart Newcastle's threat by making this a scrappy midfield display and looking to nick the game and making it tight throughout the game.

We are operating with our back 4, defensive full backs that are tight to the centre backs and solid and rigid centre backs that are sticking close to Suarez at all times. Full backs can tuck in as the wingers drop back playing alongside the full backs, playing almost a 6 across the back. Doubling up out wide and restricting space by having our 4 defenders tucked in tight to restrict the space in front and behind the defence. Wanyama and Rabiot sit in front of this defensive "six" as it is, with lots of energy and closing down their 2 more advanced midfielders. Wanyama picking up their main man who will be looking to pick up spaces, presumably Lallana and Rabiot quickly closing down Nainggolan so he isn't allowed the space or time to hit efforts from distance. Gotze can drop in and support or potentially sit on Krychowiak if needs be. If not, Gotze can roam around when they have possession looking for areas just to give them something to deal with on the break. We want to force their full backs forward so we can exploit the space wide on the break and then Gotze can pick up that space which he can exploit. Icardi sticks up top on their centre backs to make sure their is something to aim for on the break.

When possession rolls over and we hit the transition period of the ball, we have to have out wingers breaking beyond the lines as often as possible. Gotze will pick up spaces and exploit them away from Krychowiak and Icardi has to have movement to be a threat. Wanyama and Rabiot particularly have to supply the balls from deep but keep that rigidity in midfield.

Going forward, we will look to hit on the break. With Gotze picking up spaces to play with, he needs to pull Krychowiak about. Icardi leading the line and making sure someone picks him up just so we can build a link. Our wingers have to bust a gut as often as possible. They have pace and trickery so we need to have them exploiting the full backs and whipping crosses into the box. We will allow them to swap wings to come inside. Rabiot and Wanyama will supply the passes from deep into the further attacking midfield trio and Gotze has to work a link with Icardi and find them passes through the gaps of the defence. Icardi has to have the movement to find or create that half a yard of space so we can get efforts on goal. We will also look for some long range strikes as well have players with the capabilities in behind Icardi to really test their keeper from distance.

Subs:

Kranevitter > Rabiot (70 mins)
Witsel > Gotze (75 mins)
Rodriguez > Konkplayanka (85 mins)

Chelsea v STOKE CITY

Line Up:

Rulli
Fabinho Marquinhos Koscielny Coentrao
Gustavo
Ribery Kovacic Wilshere Welbeck
Benzema

Substitutes: Krul; Sagna; Rode; Herrera; Silva; Schurrle; Pjaca

Captain: Koscielny
Penalties: Benzema
Free Kicks: Ribery
Corners: Ribery

Game Plan:

We are setting up in a 4-1-4-1 formation that will give us the most flexibility in both attack and defence. This formation gives us the ability to pack the middle of the park with bodies in defence and then break forward on the counter with speed and precision.

We will be content to sit deep in our own half, preserving energy and not wasting it by closing down their back line – by sitting deep we will invite their defence to move further up the pitch as they look to keep the distance between their defence and midfield manageable, which will be to our advantage.

When Chelsea gets the ball in our half, we want to set up with two banks of 4, with the defence just in front of the edge of the area and the midfield midway along our half of the pitch. With Gustavo playing a sweeping role between the two banks and Benzema sitting on the halfway line to keep their centre backs pinned back, we are confident that we will be able to congest the middle and negate the pace and flair of the Chelsea players.

With Modric out of action, Chelsea’s playmaking ability will take a big hit but they still have some very good players behind the forwards and, of course, Aguero up front who will get goals if he is given the time and space. With that in mind, we want to stick Koscielny on Aguero all game to stop him from drifting in to areas where he can hurt us. Koscielny has had a lot of success against Aguero in the past and his experience, coupled with his physical capabilities and brilliant tackling talent, will be enough to give Aguero plenty of problems. Koscielny man-marking Aguero will allow Marquinhos to cover against the other attacking threats; of which we expect there to be many, due to Neymar and Sanchez’ proclivity to drift inside.

We want our two full backs to tuck in close to the centre backs in this formation to minimise the ability of Chelsea’s forward line to move around and stretch the play. Chelsea like to play with their wingers linking up with Aguero and getting in between defenders, ergo we will keep a tight line that doesn’t allow for much movement in between players. With our wide midfielders tracking the runs of the full backs and doubling up with our own full backs to prevent being outnumbered, we are confident that we will be able to track their runs down the flank and nullify their crossing ability, and we must make sure that any attempts to cut inside will simply run in to too much traffic. I want to make it clear, also, that Welbeck must stick to Sanchez like a bad stench whenever we are out of possession. Lahm isn’t the type to continually bomb down the line, and so Welbeck will stick to Sanchez as he moves around, and Coentrao will be freed up to help more infield.

In the middle of the pitch, we are playing Jack Wilshere and Mateo Kovacic, two central midfielders with good engines, plenty of tenacity in the tackle and enough technical ability to get things ticking over at the other end of the pitch. These two will be expected to be lively in the centre, looking to press heavily on any Chelsea players that attempt to carry the ball through the middle and disrupt play so that Chelsea can’t start any fluid attacks. We can’t allow Chelsea to keep the ball ticking over in the middle and controlling the tempo of the game, so we can’t give their midfielders the opportunity to play in our half with the ball. The Stamford Bridge pitch is a narrow one, which means that Chelsea’s midfield won’t be able to spread the ball around easily should we press with vigour in the centre.
They will also be the first line of our attack as they will be looking to regain possession in the middle of the park and immediately initiate the counter.

By playing a deep, counter attacking game (think in terms of Man Utd v Chelsea circa 2009) we will invite the opposition defence to come forward, which will leave a lot of space in behind and highlight major flaws in their back line.

As soon as we get hold of the ball, we will be looking to break forward quickly and in numbers. With Benzema up top, he has perfected the art of holding up play and bringing pacey wingers in to the game and he will be looking to do that with Ribery and Sterling bombing down the wings. Kovacic and Wilshere will also be looking to move up the pitch with pace which will give us a staggered five-prong attack in a kind-of zig-zag formation, with Ribery, Welbeck and Benzema heading the trident and Kovacic and Wilshere providing the support.

By going forward quickly in numbers we will be looking to, not only, overload Chelsea’s defence (especially if their offensive minded full backs have ventured forward) by stretching it out and causing their players to furiously back track, but it also gives us enough players in reserve to deal with any counter-counter attacks. This too will be highlighted in a zig-zag formation, with Coentrao, Gustavo and Fabinho as the first line Marquinhos and Koscielny at the second. This serves the dual purpose of providing a bit of slack in our formation so that we can’t be undone by a long ball over the top and it also provides an outlet for our players so that Utd can’t just squeeze our attempted offensive in to one corner and stifle the attack.

I want to make it clear, also, that if we happen to lose possession in the counter, we absolutely must rush back to get in to our defensive positions and prepare for the next offensive.

Substitutes:

70 minutes: Hector Herrera for Mateo Kovacic – We will need fresh legs in our midfield by this point and Herrera performed very well in this exact same role against Arsenal. Get stuck in to their midfielders and rush their play.

80 minutes: Schurrle for Benzema AND Sagna for Ribery – Schurrle likes to play a bit deeper and is used to playing in a pressing game. He will be looking to get around with his fresh legs and rush Chelsea’s defence and midfield. Sagna comes on to provide assistance for Fabinho against Neymar.

Hull - Hull - Sule, Kampl, Forshaw, Gibson

Captain: Geis
Penalties: Vietto (Pohjanpalo)
Free Kicks: Geis

---------------------Horn
Weiser-------Stark-------Tah-------Henrichs
--------------Geis------Dahoud
Óliver-----------Schöpf--------------Brandt
--------------------Vietto

Subs: Karius, Wimmer, Biglia, Goretzka, Vollane, Werner, Pohjanpalo


Our defensive unit consists of Jonathan Tah and Niklas Stark paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Benjamin Henrichs at left-back, with Johannes Geis and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis and Dahoud we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Geis can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Johannes Geis

A holding midfielder through and through, Geis is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Geis such a talent.

Geis is also our deadball specialist so do watch out for his pin-point accuracy from free kicks.

The attacking unit consists of Óliver Torres, Alessandro Schöpf and Julian Brandt as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luciano Vietto as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Geis or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Geis and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Óliver Torres and Julian Brandt who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Alessandro Schöpf our attacking central midfielder’s diminutive physique and low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Schöpf is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Óliver Torres, Brandt or Vietto in via fast passing combinations.

Very much like his comrades (Óliver Torres, Brandt & Schöpf), Luciano Vietto is blessed with pace on and off the ball, and quick dribbling to get past defenders, and a real killer instinct in front of the goal. Vietto will also be a good team player with the vision to set up his teammates.

Sub: 75 Mins: Goretzka on for Dahoud, and Pohjanpalo on for Vietto

Pohjanpalo is gaining a reputation as a super sub so with 15 mins to go, and if we badly need a goal then he may be our go-to-man.

if Horn gets sent off then I’ll sub either Vietto or Pohjanpalo (depending who is on) for Karius. Other than that I’ll wing it

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

P.Lahm ---- Boateng ---- Bonucci ---- Ricardo

Sanchez - S.Busquets -- Daley Blind - Sterling

--------------- Aguero ---- Neymar----------------

Dragowski, Umtiti, Pogba, Paredes, Gabigol, Dybala, Kelechi

In goal De Gea, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, shouting instructions to his defenders. Out very 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.

Boateng in beside Boateng today, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the main CF. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him 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. Boateng alongside is fantastic 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. Both are comfortable on the ball and can bring it out from defence but when in no danger and no erseing about with it, also both go up for corners and are a huge threat as the two fullbacks and Blind hang back.

We go slightly different today to combat Liverpools 343 formation, I still want Lahm and Ricardo to mark there outside forwards or whatever lstd wants to call them, sit in tight, watch their movement and always stay close, stand tall against them, id imagine there will be plenty movement from the front 3. Bonucci always marks the central one so Lahm and Ricardo don't get pulled in following a certain person, always stay to the fullback area and mark the ones that are wide, even if it is the main CF. Going forward, I want them voth to attack but always one at a time, mostly Ricardo, he gets up in support of Sterling, driving passed him to pull players out wide, this will be a wingback and CB leaving them a little exposed at the back which Neymar and Aguero will love. Take them on down that left hand side and get crosses wether low or high quickly to the front two, other winger. Blind will cover if Ricardo gets caught up field, he will get into the CM position when Blind falls back.
Lahm's attacks will be limited but when he goes again support Sanchez like Ricardo does on the other side.

A solid back four who will defend there lines tightly against a 3 man attack, we have plenty defensive cover so they will be pegged back.

A four man midfield with Blind in for the injured Modric, he is tenacious and will battle for everything, he and Busquets will hold there own against there midfielders. Tackle strongly but only go to ground if 100% certain they will win the ball. Blind always sits tight, like said if Ricardo gets caught up field he is there to cover, we wont be left outnumbered as Ricardo only has to get back into the CM position. Busquets alongside will also sit in a tad but has a little more freedom as Lahm doesn't attack so much, He is an intelligent player, his vision is top class and he can pick a pass so will always have his head up looking for the front two,he has very accurate passing ability so will always pick them out, even a short pass to the fullbacks or wingers he rarely relinquishes possession so we play a possession game, slow build up then hit our wingers and forwards and hit them with real pace. When we defend 2 banks of 4 and stay solid.

Sterling and Sanchez are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. More importantly both scorers of wonderful and important goals. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fullbacks and stop them coming forward or coming inside, always look to stretch them and push them back. Defendifg just track the fullbacks and use pace to get back and in around there faces to stop them becoming a threat. Always be looking for Neymar, Aguero etc inside as the four make an awesome attack and a scary proposition for the Liverpool back line

Neymar is in a free role/CF position today, I want him to run there defence ragged and spoil there formation, he has total freedom of the pitch today, he can drop deep and pick up from Busquets/Blind and tear forward, looking to the wingers for quick one twos to get in behind the defenders, he can take players on with skill and pace or simply find Aguero and play him in, at times he will also be the furthest forward, there defnce wont be able to pick him up, they will be dragged out of position, especially with the movement of Aguero to add. There back 3 will be all over the place, saying this if he plays a back 4 it wont matter as Neymar has a free role so the DM will be occupied with him.
Like said Agueros movement will also be important, his quick thinking will find him space and with Neymar dragging players out of position the re should be more space for Aguero to drive into, go for the slower of the Cbs that are left and drive at him, small in stature but he is very strong, so not shrugged off that easily. Get into space, we have players that will find him, so bury the chances he gets, or look for the wingers or Neymar as they drive into support., if Neymar is further forward then Aguero will be prepared to track back if Liverpool burst forward.

Keep it tight, if they are going to score make it hard for them, going forward, slow build up play then POW! hit them with pace, they wont be able to handle it, especially with the movement we will have, creating space for each other etc

Captain - Lahm
Free Kicks - Neymar
Pens - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Dybala for Sterling, Pogba for Ricardo, Neymar goes to LW and Dybala into Neymars role, with Neymar playing LW in a four man mid, Blind will then go to LB to provide cover and Pogba into CM

75 Mins - Kelechif or Lahm, we go 3 at the back and Kelechi up front 343 and really look to hurt them

Winning -
75 Mins - Paredes for Neymar, he goes to CM and Blind into DM, Paredes similar to Busquets as the two look to control the midfield
80 Mins - Dybala for Aguero for fresh legs and to run at the defence giving them no time
85 Mins - Umtiti for Sterling, he goes to LB with Ricardo just ahead of him to close this game out

Drawing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Aguero, Paredes for Blind, Pogba for Sterling (Neymar to LW), fresh energy to go and hurt tiring players, like said Paredes will look to pick a pass and Pogba will be looking to force them back and support Dybala

Balanced 4-2-3-1

Slight change from our normal formation, two strong defensive players in front of the back four offering more protection against their attacking players. With 3 attacking mids, looking to get them in space between the Arsenal defence and midfield. Expose the space they leave here and open them up.

The formation will allow us to counter attack Arsenal, using our pace to expose the space they have left when attacking.

Costa comes in up top, without Chiellini we want his power and ability to get past the cb, dragging their defenders out of position and create space for the AMs behind.

A fluid attacking trio, that have freedom to double up on a wing or go central to find space, double up on Arsenal’s defenders. Attack down the wings, one fb attacking, with James linking with the fb and wgs.

Attacking movement in the final third is key. Either a fb or the winger run inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling defenders out of position.

If they go one man up top, then Otamendi marks him. If it’s two up top Javi, our dm, will drop deeper when we are in possession to add cover. Vidal will be key for linking with the attack, his drive will push our side forward linking with the fbs and ams. He adds to the great pace we have down the wings.

When we don’t have the ball, we defend in a compact 4-5-1 formation. When we lose the ball, Costa puts pressure on their players high up, not letting them start a counter quickly.

-------------- S.Rico
Danilo - Ramos – Otamendi - Kurzawa
--------- A.Vidal – Javi.M
Willian ----- James.R ------- Hazard
-------------- D.Costa

Subs. Heaton, Elvedi, Strootman, Brozovic, Correa, Turan, Ibrahimovic

We play with a very high tempo when we have possession, the AM trio always looking for space, pull their players out of position. We’ll also play with a high tempo when defending our half. Bar the initial quick high press to stop the counter, we let them have the ball in their own half, saving our energy and getting into a solid defensive structure.

Key to our attack is quick, dynamic interchangeable passing.

Defending in numbers

Again we look to control the opposition pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to.

As they progress forward we get almost everyone behind the ball quickly. Stop them breaking.
In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw Arsenal into positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.

As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Javi pressing the space in front of our cbs, with James dropping deep. The wingers will come back if they have to track their fb, if not stay forward.

In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Javi will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across and stop Arsenal. Leaving them no options, and no space to play.

Narrowing the play to the side Arsenal are attacking, crowd them out and push them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over. Get a high number of bodies behind them.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wingers, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Javi and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.

Attack.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. Javi and Vidal seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Looking to set us on a counter attack where possible.
Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.

One of the fbs bombs forward offering an option, looking to link with the winger ahead of him. Get us playing up and down the wings. Using our pace here to drag players away, creating space for our wingers and James in the middle.

James will always be looking for space in between their defence and midfield. He has freedom to shoot from range, and has the ability to split their defence or play inch perfect crosses into the box for Costa from deep and from wide.

In the opposition half, Vidal will always stay just behind the play, offering the option to go back, and start the attack again, and switch the play if needed. Looking to be on the edge of the box for any loose balls that may come his way, in a position where he can steal in and get a shot on goal. Also offering cover and a quick press to the win ball back if we lose it, if we don’t win it back we at least stop a quick counter.

The midfield should never be flat. We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Pull their players out of their formation to create space for our other attackers to get in and exploit.

Costa plays his natural game up top.

Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Turan for Willian. Keep up pressure.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Brozovic for James. Fresh legs. Plays slightly deeper, help us control the midfield.
If winning after 85 mins bring on Correa for Hazard.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ibrahimovic and Correa for James and Costa. 4-2-2-2. Correa super sub offering pace off Ibra the target man.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Strootman for Javi. More energy in cm. Fresh legs and better on the ball going forward.

If losing after 55 mins bring on Ibra and Strootman for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Javi to cb. Strootman dm. Route one.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Correa for Costa.

---------------- Ter Stegen ----------------

Bellerin - Sokratis - Williams - Monreal

---------- Dembele - S.Cazorla ----------

Walcott --------- Mata ---------- A.Iwobi

---------------- Hernandez ----------------

Schmeichel, Holding, Defour, Danilo, Oxlade, Milik,, Austin

Captain Ashley Williams wont let the standards slip throughout. He and Sokratis are a hard nut partnership which no striker would relish coming up against, Sokratis will match him for power and strength as he goes heaed to head with him, dont give him any room at all to get himself into scoring opportunities. Be onto him like a fly round shiete, Williams will backj him up as the two form a fromidable wall in front of Ter Stegen who is a fanastic shot stopper and gives confidence to the rest of the team from the back. Punch clear what he cant catch. Shut down forwards as quick as possible and close there shooting angles down.

Bellerin can drive forward as he knows Monreal will tuck in to keep at least a back 3 in case of break aways. He attacks and has a great understanding with Walcott, He can drive outside there fullback as the two go gung ho at him, Bellerin and Walcott are two of the quickest in the league so at full pace will easily get in beyond the defenders and create havoc amongst there back line. If he gets the ball back look to drive and cross in, play the triangles with Walcott and Dembele/Mata to get into space. On the otherside Monreal is more relaxed and will give Bellerin the freedom by staying back, you will see him at half way but from there he looks for the pass instead of driving on. When we defend we hava a solid bank of four with the midfield ahead of them. Solid as a rock man.

Dembele and Cazorla ahead has a power of work in them, will harrass there midfield all day long if they have to. Both energetic players and wont give them a breather. Dembele himself will pick up the AM and will not allow him any time on the ball to dictate play, he is pivotal in what we want to do as we are a passing team with lots of energy but we must win the ball first and this is Dembele's job. Cazorla will act as the box to box, he supports the defence when they drive at us but when we attack he will allow Mata to push on as he takes up the AM role just ahead of him, this allows Mata to roam and become a nuisance. Cazorla will be looking up to make the correct pass wether its to Mata or out wide or up to the striker, his vision is top class and passing ability to match, so once the ball is won he is on it.

Outwide we have pace and skill Walcott has freedom to drive today obvs with Bellerin as spoken about, The two can go and have fun v there LB, really look to pose hunners of problems purely with pace. Pace these days is a massive attribute and if you got it use it. When Bellerin drives passed Walcott can push in and he and Chicarito will look for quick one twos to get one of them in on goal, this is if Bellerin hasnt got it to cross in. Iwobi is young and confident but also has a cool head and the skill to beat his man, he and Monreal will use their heads to pass it around with Cazorla until the right moment to play the presicion pass that will get Walcott/Iwobi/Mata into space or indeed the cross in for \Chicarito. As we defend this is also a flat 4 so we have two banks of 4 making it as difficult as possible for them.

Mata will have a free role, he is there to pass it around, make late dashes into the box and generally be a nuisance, pull players away from there area to allow others to drive into space, when Cazorla is looking up Mata will try and get into space for Cazorla to find him, then he himself will be looking for the front three so he can play them in. Defence wise, if they play a three he annoys the more defensive one and tries to stop holding onto the ball too long.

Chicarito up top, is great with his back to goal, can turn his man easily and go for goal, has the power and strength to get away from his man and drive in. Also can hold the ball up well to allow others to come in and support as he lays it off for them to have a go.
Very useful in the air for when the ball is crossed in.

Quick football especially down our right hand side, neat triangles, one twos to get beyond them, they may be top but we dont care. Up against a very good but young inexperienced side, a must win game today so use the heeds lads.

Captain - Williams
Penalties - Chicarito
FreeKicks - Mata
Corners - Mata

Subs:-
55 Mins - Oxlade for Iwobi straight swap

Losing -
70 Mins - Milik for Mata, he goes up top with Hernandez in support
75 Mins - Austin for Hernandez 4-4-2

Winning -
70 Mins - Danilo Barbosa for Mata - he sits in behind Dembele and Cazorla and becomes our DM, he takes the marking of the AM role over from Dembele
80 Mins - Defour for Cazorla to gives us extra bite in the middle

Drawing -
70 Mins - Milik for Hernandez
80 Mins - Austin for Mata - 442

Red Card

Ter Stegen - Mata off, Schmeichel on
Defender - Mata off, Holding on
CM - Mata off Defour on
Winger - Mata off Oxlade on
CF - Mata off Milik on

Whatever scenario or time we always go 441

----------------------Forster--------------------
Muenier----van Dijk----Kompany----L.Shaw
Mahrez-------Matic-------Kante-------Boufal
-----------------------Silva----------------------
---------------------Dembele-------------------

Pickford, Keane, Parejo, Draxler, Moses, Fekir, Lacazette

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

Kompany takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst Van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Kompany takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball.

Muenier and Shaw are in for their defensive attributes as we will be up against it, both are allowed to attack but will be sporadic.
I really want a solid back four today as there attack is good, so defend the lines dont let anyone passed without at least challenging them. Make it as difficult as possible to get passed them. Hold firm and stay tall, both strong and young so keeping them back should be ok. They can go forward but look to pass it to our midfield first and foremost and dont get too carried away. If they do get up field then make it count by putting in pin point accuracy crosses.

We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Matic and Kante will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our fullbacks. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character and will hunt you down very quickly as is Kante so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Both very powerful players in the centre of my midfield. Stick together and thou shalt not pass!

Mahrez and Boufal will play with freedom to attack and support Silva and Dembele,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross,or indeed cut inside and shoot off there other foot, it may seem as if we are being withdrawn today but with cover from the fullbacks the wingers have a little more freedom to break forward. Mahrez and Boufal will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them.

Silva will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he has the freedom to do so.

Young Dembele is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Silva who will be up in support a lot, cant deny he is in fantastic form at the moment, he is always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Boufal and Mahrez also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Dembele
Free Kicks - Mahrez
Corners - Wingers

Substitutes

if we are losing on 70 minutes Lacazette, Fekir and Draxler will all come on for Dembele, Silva and Boufal. We will play the same way. If we are still losing on 80 minutes Fekir will go right up front.

if we are winning Parejo will come on for Silva on 75 minutes and go into midfield and Matic will drop into a DM role 4141, Lacazette on for Dembele at the same time.

If we are drawing then LAcazette and Fekir for Dembele and Silva on 70 minutes and Draxler for Boufal on 80 minutes

Arsenal vs Leicester

Injuries:
Chiellini, De Sciglio, Tevez, El Shaarawy

.......................Hart…………………………….
Hysaj…………Garay……Romagnoli……….Gaya
……………………………Bender…………………………
…………………..Verratti…….Marchisio…………..
Berardi…………………Ronaldo……………….Di Maria
Subs: Patricio, Cahill, Valero, Mandy, Kane, Rugani, D.Luiz

Tough game this week at home to a strong Leicester side, missing half our defence through injury – rules out our standard 3-5-2/3-4-3.
Rof has a lovely front line and it’s backed up by the one man wrecking machine that is Vidal – not sure who he’ll play alongside him today with Kroos out injured (atleast it makes my job slightly easier)
Right, enough talking about Rof’s players we have enough in our side to get at him and hurt them, so we should let Rof worry about how he’s gonna stop us.
I want a nice fluid side today that can switch seamlessly from a 4-3-3 in possession to a 4-5-1 when defending – 2 solid banks doing a partial heavy press – the front 5 will quickly close down any ball/man in Leicester’s half – looking to pinch it quickly and then break, fast – the ball in our own half will still be pressed by the front 5 barring Ronaldo (more on that on his individual instructions) BUT the back will hold their position – I don’t want them to be drawn out – we hold the line and force Leicester to try and find a way through – each man has a man they’re responsible for.
Hysaj will track the LW – don’t be drawn by any run from a deep midfielder or FB
Gaya will track the RW - don’t be drawn by any run from a deep midfielder or FB
Garay – in place of Chiellini he will be the man to try and keep Costa quiet
Bender – Jay-Rod
Marchisio – Vidal

All others not mentioned will track the runners in their proximity – no passing a man over or you will be replaced – it’s 11 vs 11 so no excuses to be over-run.

I want a fast-paced attacking unit today, but not just fast and brainless we need to be clever with the ball, Rof’s team is well drilled so we will have to work hard to open them, tough call dropping Kane but he doesn’t give me the fluidity I want in my trident – Berardi, Ronaldo and ADM can switch roles freely with any one of them operating on either flank and through the middle – all 3 are lightening quick so as we draw Leicester onto us, we can punish them on the break.

Indviduals
Hysaj/Gaya – Both modern style full backs like to get up front and attack, this is encouraged and both can go simultaneously but have to be careful as Hazard and Willian are quick on the break – if you don’t have the legs to get back then don’t go up – both when they do go up will run the line and spread the play as wide as possible – allowing our trident to be pretty central (there has to be a gap somewhere)
Garay – One job today and that’s to use that 6ft2 frame of yours to keep the Brazilian striker Costa quiet by any means necessary. Keep the rest of the game simple and hold the line – you’re the experienced head in defence and will talk them through the game.
Romagnoli – Nesta’s heir – will be the spare man if Costa shakes off Garay clear him out – failing that if any of the attacking mids lose their man, then you’re the secondary to mop up the mess. Again keep it simple on the ball, move it forwards (Never across the defensive line) but you’re Italian you know these things.
Bender – 2 roles today – Primary role is to man-mark James wherever he goes you follow – if he drops deep, don’t stray too far as they’ll bypass you on the counter but as soon as they’re in our half I want you as his shadow. Secondary role (as long as it doesn’t conflict the primary) sit as a 3rd CB covering Hysaj/Gaya
Marchisio – If anyone knows Vidal’s game it’s you, sit on him – don’t let him drive forward, we need to cut the supply to the front 4
Verratti – I have no idea who your opposite number is – but if he breaks forward track him – failing that sit in the middle and be our playmaker.

My Trident
Simple tasks today – keep it quick, keep it fluid and don’t stop moving we want to draw their defence out to play before spinning and going through the gears – you’re all rapid and you all know where the back of the net is show me I’m right to drop Kane.
Defensively ADM and Berardi to push the backline hard with Ronaldo so we force them to go long into the second stage of the press, where Verratti and Marchisio will try to hold them – ADM and Berrardi then rush back effectively enabling us to press the ball from multiple directions.
ADM and Berardi will track back as far as the half-way line and Ronaldo as far back as staying on-side – I don’t want the distance between the trident to be too far as we want to smash Leicester on the break as quickly as possible (one dink over the top will do it)

Subs 65 mins –
Kane > Berardi – ADM RW, Kane CF, Ronaldo LW – less fluid but a more physical option up top
Luiz > Bender – like for like
Valero > Verratti – like for like

Hull - Weiser, Dahoud, Brandt, Clayton (Geis susp)

Captain: Biglia
Penalties: Vietto (Pohjanpalo)
Free Kicks: Biglia

-------------------------Horn
Klostermann--Stark-------Süle -------Henrichs
-------------Biglia----------Goretzka
Volland--------------Óliver-----------Schöpf-
--------------------Vietto

Subs: Karius, Wimmer, Grujic, Kampl, Keïta, Werner, Pohjanpalo


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Niklas Süle paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Benjamin Henrichs at left-back, with Lucas Biglia and Leon Goretzka as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Biglia and Goretzka we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Goretzka can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Biglia can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Goretzka’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Goretzka running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Lucas Biglia.

A holding midfielder through and through, Biglia is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Biglia such a talent.

Biglia is also our deadball specialist so do watch out for his pin-point accuracy from free kicks.

The attacking unit consists of Kevin Volland, Óliver Torres, and Alessandro Schöpf as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luciano Vietto as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Biglia or Goretzka, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Klostermann and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Biglia and Goretzka can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Kevin Volland and Alessandro Schopf who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Oliver Torres our attacking central midfielder’s diminutive physique and low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Oliver is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer who will look to play Volland, Schopf or Vietto in via fast passing combinations.

Very much like his comrades (Óliver Torres, Volland & Schöpf), Luciano Vietto is blessed with pace on and off the ball, and quick dribbling to get past defenders, and a real killer instinct in front of the goal. Vietto will also be a good team player with the vision to set up his teammates.

Sub: 75 Mins: Kampl on for Gotetzka, and Pohjanpalo on for Vietto

Pohjanpalo is gaining a reputation as a super sub so with 15 mins to go, and if we badly need a goal then he may be our go-to-man.

if Horn gets sent off then I’ll sub either Vietto or Pohjanpalo (depending who is on) for Karius. Other than that I’ll wing it

--------------------Buffon
Juanfran---Manolas---Godin---Bertrand
----------------Krychowiak
--------Nainggolan------Pjanic
Salah-----------------------------Mane
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Lloris, Bartra, Clyne, Fabregas, Dembele, Lallana, Sturridge


Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, looking to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. when we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player around them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances..
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Mane and Salah flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Krychowiak looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lallana for Salah - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Dembele for Mane and Fabregas for Pjanic - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Fabregas for Radja - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Sturridge, Bartra and Fabregas for Bertrand, Krychowiak 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.

BIRMINGHAM VS potsmouth

-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Lichtsteiner---------------Rekik------------Verthonghen-----------------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Moutinho-------------Sissoko------------------------------------
Mario---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Rashford-----------------

Subs - Zieler, Ake, Depay, Carvalho, Mertens, Florenzi, Janssen

CAPTAIN - CECH
CK'S - NOLITO
FK'S - NOLITO
PENALTIES - VARDY

This 4222 formation is solid in defence but also very attacking with 2 strikers up front and an 2 wingers.

Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced. Rekik and Verthonghen are an excellent partnership and bring experience at the back. Vert brings that old school no nonsense defending. Stay strong and if the opposition play 1 up front than stay close to him and not let him turn. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box.

Centre Mids
Moutinho + Sissoko
These 2 will play a b2b role, covering for our players when they are out of position and making runs forward to help the attack. When one attacks the other stays back to defend. Close the oppo AM down and don't let the other team have any time on the ball in the centre of midfield. Moutinho has the ability to pick out a pass while Sissoko is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Mario + Nolito
Giving these 2 a start this week. Nolito is a pacy winger, he is a very good dribbler and is very good at keeping hold of the ball. Play quick passes and try and carve open the oppo defence with intricate play. Be ready for the counter attack as depay and Mario are deadly on them. Mario will be more focused primarily on beating the left back on the outside and getting to the byline to get a decent cross in. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning and you are also good at using your left foot so if you cut in and shoot you can. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Strike
Vardy + Rashford
I want you both to use your pace to try and beat the offside trap. Rashford, you have a lot of stamina so when the opposition CB'S have the ball I want you to close them down and pressure them. Try and bring other players into the game. Pass and move is the way to go. With two fast pacy strikers up front, we're bound to create chances on the counter.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Janssen for Rashford. Also bring on Depay for Nolito and Florenzi for Moutinho. Play a high line and try and get a goal.

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take of Vardy and put on Ake in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Janssen for Rashford aswell.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Rashford off for Janssen
Moutinho off for Mertens
Nolito off for Depay

--------------------------- Butland -----------------------------

------------- Howedes -- Lovren -- Laporte -----------------

-- Cuadrado -- Gomes -- Wanyama -- Witsel -- Hector --

------------------- Icardi ----------- Sansone ------------------
Subs: Batalla, Matip, Layun, Kranevitter, Tadic, Konoplayanka, Embolo.

It's important we bounce back from last weeks' defeat in hope to get back into the race for Europe. We have set up differently this week but we have some very good balance to our side both going forward and defensively.

We have set up with 3 centre backs. A good variety of pace, strength, experience and ball playing ability. It's the responsibility of Howedes to mark the centre forward, not giving him any space or time on the ball. The job of covering for Howedes will be Laporte. He will be there to double on the centre forward when necessary but to also track runners as well and not to get stretched from this 3. Lovren acts as the sweeper in behind both, looking to cover for them and communicate and look for direct ball forward so we can launch quick counter attacks on the break. Our wing backs tuck in when defending, both Hector and Cuadrado have a tough job of working up and down these flanks, but they have the stamina and the pace to do this. When defending, they tuck in as full backs alongside our 3 centre backs so hat we don't get stretched leaving gaps in our defence. Wanyama is the defensive midfielder of these 3 in midfield. It's his job to stay disciplined, track runners, pick up men in spaces as well as stop their more creative players from having any time on the ball by limiting them. Gomes and Sansone will press the ball in deeper midfield areas so we can hunt them down and not give their players the time on the ball to create from deep. Witsel will act as a shield in the midfield to support Wanyama when defending so that we can have that physical edge in our play in midfield. So when defending, we switch to a 5-2-2-1 formation so that we have no spaces to play in between our defence at the back, our deeper midfield pairing can double up on their creative players and our attacking midfielders can press the ball in their deeper midfield areas and Icardi acts as a focal point, something to aim for on the break.

If they start to play deeper in our half, we restrict the space in behind and in between the lines so that we make it difficult for them and we force them backwards as often as possible. But we need to press the ball, particularly from our 2 more advanced midfielders when defending so that we can look to win the ball high up the field, slow the tempo down to get men forward and work the ball and keep it off them. Playing percentages is important in this game.

Going forward, we will be playing with our counter attacking style, especially being away from home. They have some good players going forward, but they can act quite lazy. Wanyama helps cover the 3 CB's when going forward initially so we have plenty of bodies back just in case we lose the ball with numbers forward. Cuadrado and Hector push on further forward to provide out width and to force their wingers back. We need to see pace and good quality crosses delivered from either side. Witsel acts as the box-to-box midfielder in this case so that he can push forward with Gomes in order to create chances. He has power and height advantage in midfield as well, so we expect him to gamble and take a risk and break into the box for extra power from crosses from wide areas. Gomes acts as the playmaker in this case. Good feet on the ball and his an eye for a pass, he needs to look to split the defence and play balls in between the lines, in behind the defence or to the feet of our attacking players so that we can work the ball around their men and look to create a chance in the box. Sansone will operate as the secondary forward. Perfect fit in this game as he can drop in and look to receive the ball at feet and look to make it difficult for their men to pick him up. Floating around to find gaps in their midfield and defence, he works as the perfect link for Icardi because he can work some space for him with his movement. Icardi is our poacher really here, we want him on the last man at all times and gambling on every cross or pass. Movement in behind their defence is key so that he always had them on edge at all times. He has players around to find the passes so he needs to work the ball well, link with players in behind him but equally work himself a yard of space in the box for a finish.

Substitutions:

Kranevitter > Witsel, 70 mins - Fresh legs in midfield.
Embolo > Sansone, 80 mins - Fresh, young energy up top to work the defence hard.
Layun > Hector, 80 mins - A natural wing back to offer us some fresh legs there so we don't wear out.

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 16. De Rossi —— 28. Schneiderlin
10. Robben ————— 17. De Bruyne ————— 7. Mkhitaryan
————————————— 9. Higuain

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 13. Bruma, 8. Coutinho, 38. Barry, 23. Eriksen, 32. Antonio, Son

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Kevin de Bruyne
Crossing free-kicks: Kevin de Bruyne
Shooting free-kicks: Marco Reus
Penalties: Marco Reus

We stick to a 4-2-3-1 counter attack and again a near full strength side with Mkhitaryan coming into the side bringing his energy with him, helping with dominating the last third alongside Robben KDB and Higgers. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting a trophy we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

The advantage of the 4-2-3-1 formation in terms of counter attacking is it is very easy to change quickly from defence to attack and create superior number situations in the opposition half of the pitch with the 4 rows of players on the pitch, what is a 4-5-1 in defensive situations can very quickly become a 4-3-3 in attack.

The block of four of Benatia Bailly De Rossi and Schneiderlin will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. De Rossi and Schneiderlin will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Bailly will mark their striker tightly with Benatia sweeping behind if he does get through. KDB will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

Oblak will play in goal, his talents are obvious to anyone, fantastic shot stopper and very good coming off his line so he can sweep up any balls in behind and someone capable of wonder saves.

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Zabaleta and Sandro are extremely fit and very strong in defence and tactically aware of their roles in this system which is crucial, they are to make the job of the wide attackers of the opposition as difficult as possible not allowing them to make runs in between themselves and the centre halves, keeping them as wide as possible and as far from goal as possible, good communication from the centre halves is crucial.

The two midfielders De Rossi and Schneiderlin are our second line of defence and attack, by playing two deeper lying players they can rotate, one of them will always be available for the ball when we're in possession and both are able to launch attacks quickly due to their passing ability, defensively they are to watch runs from the opposition midfield who will be dangerous, both are very tactically educated and comfortable playing this way. Schneiderlin will be tasked with pushing the team forwards in the attacking phase and arriving late in the box.

Our attacking midfield trio are absolutely crucial to the way we want to attack, KDB is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Mkhitaryan and Robben are very hard working and able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, in defence it will become a 4-4-1-1 while the offensive ability and styles of Robben and Mkhitaryan means the formation automatically becomes a 4-3-3 when in possession. Their pace and intelligence in making runs will cause havoc for the the opposition defence and their records speak for themselves when creating and taking chances.

Higuain will play as the centre forward, his pace and energy will be crucial in pressurising the defensive midfielder of the opposition and he never stops running. When we obtain possession his first job is to get on the shoulder of the centre halves and make runs in behind and stretch the defence, this is crucial in creating gaps between the midfield and defence of the opposition for Robben, KDB and Mkhitaryan to create and take chances.

SUBS:

If winning after 75 mins bring on Barry for KDB. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Coutinho for De Rossi. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Schneiderlin will drop back to DM to control the game while Coutinho and KDB will dominate from behind Higuain as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Mkhitaryan goes to the left.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Son for KDB. Attacking 4-4-2 with Coutinho and Schneiderlin in the middle and Robben on the right Mkhitaryan on the left. Higuain and Son up front.

——————————Courtois
-------Azpilicueta——Alderweireld——Zouma
Vrsaljko———G.Castro————Casemiro——Marcelo
—————Koke—————————Griezmann
—————————Aubameyang

Subs: Bravo, Terry, Danilo, Ferriera-Carrasco, Lamela, Lukaku, Williams

Captain: Koke
Free Kicks: Gonzalo Castro/Koke
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang
Corners: Koke/Gonzalo Castro

Tough game today but we’ve had the better of them over the years, we need to take that into this game, play with the usual desire, play as a team rather than a group of individuals. First and foremost we want to be really compact, really solid, then we can use our pace going forward.

Today we defend as an 11 in that we will always be compact no matter where the play is, so if we are in their half the defence is pushed up and if we are in our half the forwards are back helping out in that they’ll be between the opposition CMs and CBs so that off the ball they help us defend by pressing them from behind, especially Koke who will look to get all over Busquets, if we stop him getting time to set the tempo, Chelsea will struggle with possession today due to their set up which allows us to get a bigger foothold in the game than usual. With the 3 CBs and line of 4 that are solid defensively it means that other than this pressing, the forwards, in particular Griezmann and Auba can focus on getting forward and hurting the remaining Chelsea defenders, with Koke on Busquets it means he can provide the link between defending and attacking. As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Castro and Casemiro looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Chelsea’s attacks down, squeezing the space the man on the ball wants to use, which will allow the energetic WBs and Azpilicueta, as well as Koke to do the pressing, these four working constantly, the WBs narrowing in to our compact uni to get a foot in and Koke dropping slightly deeper than Griezmann and Auba, with Azpilicueta able to step out of the back line and use his excellent aggressive form of defending to break down attacks before they can get into our third, knowing that we will always have two CBs behind him to cover as well as two WBs who can drop in if needed, using their pace to get back quickly if we make a mistake. This leaves Alderweireld and Zouma using their pace and power to deal with the central strikers, they won’t be caught out down the sides and in the air they should dominate with ease today. With this system of defending in mind when Chelsea have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going to their left side as we believe we are better set up on this side to defend them.

If Chelsea do get into wide areas we narrow to that side of the field with the WB and the CB on that side able to come out and defend against FB and winger(hence why want to force them down their left), leaving two CBs to deal with the strikers and the WB on the opposite side to tuck in so we always have that spare CB, although he will be focused on the winger looking to make inside runs. In these positions we can simply make things too compact to break through, Castro and Casemiro closed right in blocking the route out whilst Koke comes back to press, once again leaving us with Griezmann and Aubameyang free of defensive duties, close to the play but in positions where they are focusing on making runs when we win it back rather than trying to get a foot in, unless of course the ball goes back towards where they are. If Chelsea force us right back into our third then we stop the pressing and we squeeze space only, this means a back 5 will be erected, Koke and Griezmann will drop in closer to the CMs and we will simply shut up shop and wait for the ball back.

Like previously said the teams moves up the field as a unit so when we attack the CBs push up too, so we can make it hard for them to break. Azpi and Zouma will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Castro and Casemiro also there being more disciplined so we have 5 players covering our attacks, this should mean that we can break counters up quickly and get back on the attack quickly, especially by getting the ball out to the wide CBs who can play the WBs in or play the forwards into the channels. In being disciplined we want Castro and Casemiro to simply keep the ball ticking, they can see Chelsea’s defence in front of them which means they know where the gaps are, this means the forward 3 can use them for wall passes to get in quickly, particularly Castro who’s got a great range of passing on him. The WBs will look to get forward whenever we win the ball, as soon as it goes to the three forwards they are overlapping and stretching the defence out, Vrsaljko looking to get to the byline and Marcelo a little more creative in his attacking play can get the ball wide and then look to come infield with his trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, his penetrating runs provide us with some different and we know their wide men won’t track our WBs. That then leaves the front three, with Koke looking to be the one buzzing around and linking everything up, from midfield to attack and attack to WBs, he’s the main creator, the one looking to drag Busquets all over the place and in turn breaking Chelsea’s shape, leaving Griezmann and Aubameyang the freedom to link up which ever way they like to hurt Chelsea’s back line. All 3 of the forwards are comfortable out wide, theyre all comfortable in field or dropping deep to create things and they are all good at making runs in behind, in particular Griezmann and Auba so if we can get them on a tangent, one coming deep to create and the other spinning in behind, we know we can draw Chelsea’s defenders about. When were attacking from deeper we can use the passing range of Alderweireld and the like to launch attacks, bypass Chelsea’s forward press as its likely to all be done by their forwards in the final third, they won’t drop back, so if we can get the ball into space quickly for our 3 forwards or our WBs we have a lot of opportunity to create.

Subs:

If Winning: Danilo for Castro 70’. Lamela for Aubameyang 75’, Griezmann up front, Lamela in for his great work rate. Lukaku for Griezmann 85’.

If Drawing: YFC for Koke 70’, fresh legs and really direct attacking threat. Lukaku for Aubameyang 75’. Danilo for Castro 80’ fresh legs in midfield.

If Losing: YFC for Vrsaljko 65’, will stretch the defence and run at the LB constantly. Lukaku for Castro 70’, Koke CM, Lukaku CF with Auba and Griezmann working around him. Williams for Marcelo 80’, all out attack.

--------------------- Neuer ------------------
Carvajal ---- Mustafi -- Hummels --- Guerreiro
-------------------- Khedira -----------------
--------------- Matuidi -- Gundogan --------
Coman ---------- Lewandowski ----------- Payet

Subs: Navas, Alves, Savic, Fernandinho, Martial, Kishna, Morata

Attacking 4-3-3, pace, power, possession, high work rate and discipline.

Look to dominate on and off the ball, defensively initially pressing high up from the front with our attackers, not allowing them to get out and enforcing errors. If they advance past the halfway line we then drop deep as a side and press the space and options.

Emphasis will be on controlling the midfield today, key to our attacking based possession game, i want a pack mentality always looking to have more numbers then the opposition in this area, winning the ball back through squeezing tightly and playing our attackers in early when the opposition are off their defensive organisation.

High line, pin them back and take control in higher areas of the pitch, Carvajal and Khedira sit back and watch for any counters with our 2 CB’s at the back.

Neuer take command of his area and we look to take full advantage of his quality, sweep up at the back efficiently and distribute into space.

We should be quick to bypass their initial phase of pressing, play out from the back but keep it simple, get it into the feet of the midfielders without them having to come deep, as many options further up the field is imperative, bully the opposition and make them chase our shadows.

Our two wingers always stay wide and the front 3 always look to make runs in behind, stretch the opposition and allow our midfield trio to pick you out with ease, roaming into space and quick movement is essential to get at their backline.

Defensively we transition into a 4-1-4-1, two banks of four with a solid structure and organisation. When we press, we press as a unit, high work rate, if one of our players is quick to advance and shut down then his teammates either side must be quick to cut off any of their passing options, isolate and leave no easy option.

If they advance into dangerous areas, we should look to drop deep (10 men behind the ball) and crowd them out, squeeze the space and options in the final 3rd. Midfield and wingers look to provide barriers, these barriers need to make it as difficult as possible to breach our defence, never shy away from defensive responsibilities.

Frustrate the opposition with our organisation, stay rigid and allow their attackers little involvement in the game so they have to come deeper to get involved, make them play in front of us and ensure we prevent runs in behind as much as possible.

In attack we need to create as many lines as possible in midfield to counter their press, into feet with pace, never afraid to go back but look to probe and create gaps, open up space and feed the ball to the attackers.

Diamond in midfield, passing in triangles and using high energy, distribute and get them running after our shadows. The longer we are on the ball, the more they will tire as the game progresses.

We should actively look for one on one situations, have a right go at their fullbacks, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still.

Wingers are key as we look to exploit the width on offer, stay wide and look to get it in their feet so we can transition instantly into a counter attacking threat. Look for the runs of the forward and get service into him from wide.

When we win the ball in midfield, Gundogan is the initiator in attack, get him on the ball and looking for an early release, we need his calm presence and eye for a pass, the base for a counter and feeding the ST as much as possible.

Service out from the back, put them off their organisation with diagonal balls over the top into feet, switch the play quickly and allow the attackers to run into space.

Lewandowski strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially.

Subs:
68th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Fernandinho > Khedira
Martial > Payet
Morata > Lewandowski
Like for like, stay compact defensively and hit them on the break if they flood forward.

70th minute – if draw - (4-5-1)
Martial > Payet
Fernandinho > Khedira
Alves > Carvajal
5 in MF, create as many lines as possible in mf and get players with pace on, plenty of width outwide and rigid in defence.

75th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Martial > Payet
Morata > Matuidi
Fernandinho > Khedira
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct, Morata partners Lewa, Coman and Martial as wingers with support from FB's.

C – Neuer
FK’s – Payet (If subbed - Gundogan)
Corners – Payet (If subbed - Gundogan)
Pens - Lewandowski (If subbed - Morata)

STOKE CITY v Man City

Line Up:

Rulli
Fabinho Marquinhos Koscielny Luis
Gustavo
Kovacic Herrera
Jese Benzema Ribery

Substitutes: Krul; Montoya; Jedvaj; Rode; Pjaca; Schurrle; Welbeck

Captain: Koscielny
Free Kicks: Ribery
Corners: Ribery
Penalties: Benzema

Game Plan:

We will look to triple mark whomever has the ball in any area of the pitch – with one player closing down the ball, one player cutting off space and the last player marking the closest man. By triple-marking at all times, we not only increase the effectiveness with which we can apply pressure to the opposition but we also reduce the amount each individual player has to run, thus allowing them to keep the high tempo game running for longer than if we were single man pressing.

By pressing high and in numbers we can minimise the space in which Man City can play. When Man City play from the back, Kovacic will look to intercept the space in between the two centre backs and cut off the option of a cross-field ball while Benzema will close down the man with the ball. If the right-sided centre back has the ball then our left winger will close down the right back while our midfielders will press closer as well, and vice versa with the other side of the pitch. The aim here is to limit the playing space our opponents have, which forces them to move the ball back to the keeper, move the ball long or move it in to the centre where our CMs, our wingers and our forwards can close down the space quickly and force them in to hasty decisions. If they manage to move the ball out wide, then our full backs will look to push up (depending on which side of the pitch the ball is on) to close down the space while our winger on that side challenges for the ball and the closest centre mid closes down the passing lanes.

The battle for the centre of the pitch will be pivotal today and it is where our fluid formation comes in to play. If Man City manage to win possession in the centre of the pitch then we have three tenacious midfielders in Gustavo, Herrera and Kovacic ready to come in with the challenge. As always, one will go in for the challenge and one will cover passing lanes through the middle. Benzema will drop deep to harass the ball carrier from behind, forcing them to stay back and also acting as an outlet for a quick breakaway. Our wingers will come deeper and slightly narrower while our full backs will attempt to press forwards as well and give as little space for the Man City players to play in to. With fast centre backs in Marquinhos and Koscielny present, we needn’t worry about long balls over the top as these two have the athletic ability to cover.

Perhaps the most important aspect of playing a high pressing game is that, when we win back possession, we mustn’t give it away cheaply. Too many times do you see a side play the defensive aspect of the game perfectly, only to ruin it by playing sloppily, getting caught and conceding on the counter. That is why we have lined up with a technically gifted side as well as one with high stamina and determination. Each player in this team is capable of playing a possession based game and, when we have the ball, this is what we will do.

We want to stretch the Man City line as much as possible. We anticipate that they will get numbers behind the ball when they’re not in possession so we will have to make holes in their line. Behind Benzema, we have some very technically gifted winger in Jese and Ribery. Each of these players can play along the line and they will be given that freedom to swap positions, come deep and make runs in behind as they look to pull the Man City players out of position. Benzema, himself, is adept at making clever runs and he will be constantly playing off the shoulders of the defenders, never staying still so that they can’t be complacent about where he is.

Behind these forwards we have Gustavo, Herrera and Kovacic, who are both terrific going forward and have a great passing range in them. These three will be pivotal for us as they look to spread the ball around the pitch, retain possession when there is no forward option, and get forward themselves. Both will be given the freedom to push forward whenever there is an opening.

The role our full backs play will be to provide wide support for our forwards on the overlap, stretching the play and forcing Man City’ defence to play wide as well. This will create more holes in their defence for our forwards to exploit. In the centre, Marquinhos and Koscielny will push up the pitch – not quite to the halfway line but close – where they will be able to recycle possession and switch play if our attack hits a dead end. Our players will be reminded just before kick-off to probe for an opening and not to force something that isn’t there. Wearing down our opposition is more effective than being caught on the break. However, and not quite contradictory to our game plan, if we are to win the ball back due to our pressing game high up the pitch, then we will attack quickly and in numbers as we will catch them on the back foot. In these instances, the technical brilliance and quick interplay of our forwards will punish the Man City defence.

Substitutions:

70 minutes: Schurrle for Jese

75 minutes: Rode for Herrera

80 minutes: Pjaca for Ribery

----------------------Forster--------------------
Valencia----van Dijk----Kompany----Denayer
Mahrez-------Matic-------Kante-------Draxler
-----------------------Silva----------------------
---------------------Dembele-------------------

Pickford, Keane, Parejo, Boufal, Moses, Fekir, Redmond

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

Kompany takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst Van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Kompany takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball.

Valencia and Denayer are in for their defensive attributes as we will be up against it, both are allowed to attack but will be sporadic.
I really want a solid back four today as there attack is good, so defend the lines dont let anyone passed without at least challenging them. Make it as difficult as possible to get passed them. Hold firm and stay tall, both strong and young so keeping them back should be ok. They can go forward Valencia more than Denayer but look to pass it to our midfield first and foremost and dont get too carried away. If they do get up field then make it count by putting in pin point accuracy crosses.

We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Matic and Kante will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our fullbacks. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character and will hunt you down very quickly as is Kante so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Both very powerful players in the centre of my midfield. Stick together and thou shalt not pass!

Mahrez and Draxler will play with freedom to attack and support Silva and Dembele,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross,or indeed cut inside and shoot off there other foot, it may seem as if we are being withdrawn today but with cover from the fullbacks the wingers have a little more freedom to break forward. Mahrez and Boufal will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them.

Silva will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he has the freedom to do so.

Young Dembele is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Silva who will be up in support a lot, cant deny he is in fantastic form at the moment, he is always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Draxler and Mahrez also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Dembele
Free Kicks - Mahrez
Corners - Wingers

Substitutes

if we are losing on 70 minutes Boufal for Draxler and Fekir for Dembele, Redmond will come on for Valencia on 80 minutes and go up front leaving 3 at the back

if we are winning Parejo will come on for Silva on 75 minutes and go into midfield and Matic will drop into a DM role 4141, Fekir on for Dembele at the same time.

If we are drawing then Redmond and Fekir for Dembele and Silva on 70 minutes and Boufal for Draxler on 80 minutes

Sorry can I change Parejo for Oscar on the subs please

Attacking 3-4-2-1

An attacking formation that allows us to commit a high number of players forward to create a defensive overload for the opposition. Importantly we’ll always have 3 strong defensive players with good pace back to guard against a counter.

We look to dominate the game and possession, building from the back. We have 3 defenders who are strong on the ball. We’ll vary our play, mix it up with long balls from Kolarov at the back and Kroos from midfield. Stretch them, and put us on the front foot quickly.

A fluid formation, it allows us to keep a compact shape defensively. We are aware that the opposition have good pace on the break and we expect them to play with one up top. Ramos marks the striker, giving us two spare cbs, who will help the wbs defend against their pacey wingers.

If they have more than one striker go man for man. Will give them less to defend with and we feel we could outscore them at home.

We have great pace going forward, and attack as direct as possible. One winger stays wide, the other comes central behind Costa. Looking to expose the space between their midfield and defence, they don’t often play with a dm and by drifting inside they might not pick you up. The wing backs are tasked with providing attacking width.

In the midfield 4 we have great work rate and the intelligence of Kroos who has often played dm for Real recently. Giving us a strong side when defending.

Going forward the idea underpinning our formation is the interconnectivity between the players in the formation. The layers to the formation allow for the setup of multiple diamonds and triangle shapes throughout the team, creating space and passing options for each player. Quick passing moves forward.

When we lose the ball, on the side of play the wing back drops to fb, and the wide forward drops to midfield. Narrowing to the side of play. Getting numbers back that Wolves will have to try and play through, make their dangerous players go deeper to get the ball.

Costa and Correa are both great at defending from the front. When we lose the ball we want two of the front three to press quickly, one pressing the ball, the other pressing the easy passing option.

---------------Handanovic
------ Elvedi – S.Ramos - Kolarov
Willian – T.Kroos – A.Vidal –- Ghoulam
--- A.Correa ------------- Hazard
---------------- D.Costa

Subs. Rico, Lemos, Strootman, Brozovic, James.R, Sane, Ibrahimovic

Defence

When we have the ball, the cb on the side of the play goes wide, negating the problem of space behind an attacking wb, by our wide cb being in a position to instinctively cover. It also gives us an easy pass back down the line.

When we lose the ball, we look to get back to a compact 4-4-1-1 formation. Narrow to the side they are attacking. The wing back on the side of play drops to full back in line with the defence, and the attacking midfielder drops in line with the midfielders.

In this formation we press the opposition as soon as they enter the middle third of the park. In the middle third of the park, the midfield four will press in a compact zig zag shape, the cm closest to play will sit deeper, as will the wing back opposite play that has came narrow. Allowing us to cover horizontal and vertical angles on the field, and cover space more effectively. Give them no options to play through.

When the opposition play the ball forward to a midfielder we have a player in a position to get tight on him, pressing him so that the opposition player has his back to goal, limiting the passing options.

The second closest midfielder presses towards to cut the passing lane for the most obvious pass that the player on the ball could make. The attacking mid(Correa/Hazard) on the opposite side of play looks to sit on their dm, and Costa sits in between their cbs, split them. Closing potential passes for the opposition, force them to take risks.

As the opposition advance higher into the final third, we will have two compact walls of four behind the ball with next to no space between them. The ball is pressed by the two closest players from each side. Force them backwards.

Narrow to the ball, overloading the side of play they are attacking, restricting options. Defending aggressively in numbers.

Our wb’s have fantastic pace up against their wingers, they get close but bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. Behind them is a cb to cover, and two cbs to defend any balls into the box.

Attack

Play the ball out from the back. 3 defenders who are comfortable on the ball and allow us to vary our play. Kolarov given freedom to play long diagonals to the attacking trio, right over their midfield.

If a quick counter is not on, we circulate possession patiently in our own half to find gaps in the opposition before switching to a very quick passing approach as we get the ball to our midfielders in the opposition half, looking to get the ball to our attacking trio as quickly as possible with short passing moves.

Quick one twos in the opposition half. The midfield look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation. Kroos has creative freedom on the ball, he has the ability to play through balls and long diagonals to open up the opposition.

Quick interchangeable play in the final third, using our strong close control and pace to break through.

Get the ball to our wingers, Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.

Captain: Ramos.

Subs

If winning after 70 mins bring on Brozovic for Correa. Fresh energy and pace down the wing.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Sane for Costa. Fresh pace to take advantage of tired Wolves legs.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Ibrahimovic and Sane for Costa and Correa. Pace down the wing and power in the middle to get at tired legs. Allows us to be more direct.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on James.R for Ghoulam. Attacking.

If losing after 45 mins bring on Ibrahimovic for Correa. Costa in supporting role.
If losing after 65 mins bring on James for Kroos. Attack.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Sane for Willian. Gung ho.

--------------------Buffon
Juanfran---Manolas---Godin---Bertrand
----------------Krychowiak
--------Nainggolan------Pjanic
Salah-------------------------------Mane
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Lloris, Bartra, Clyne, Verratti, Dembele, Lallana, Sturridge


Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, looking to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. when we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player around them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances..
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Mane and Salah flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Krychowiak looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lallana for Salah - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Dembele for Mane and Verratti for Pjanic - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Verratti for Radja - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Sturridge, Bartra and Verratti for Bertrand, Krychowiak 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.

whoops, forgot a couple of injuries, can you delete that one

--------------------Buffon
Juanfran---Manolas---Godin---Bertrand
----------------Krychowiak
--------Nainggolan------Pjanic
Salah-------------------------------Mane
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Ward, Bartra, Clyne, Verratti, Dembele, Lallana, Sturridge


Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.


Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, looking to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. when we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player around them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.


Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.



When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances..
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.



Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Mane and Salah flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Krychowiak looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.





Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lallana for Salah - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Dembele for Mane and Verratti for Pjanic - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Verratti for Radja - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Sturridge, Bartra and Verratti for Bertrand, Krychowiak 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.

Arsenal

Injuries - Bender, Di Maria, Lopes, Berardi


………………………………………Hart………………………………..
Hysaj………………Garay………………..Chiellini……….Gaya
…………………………………D.Luiz…………………………………………
…………………..Marchisio……………Fabregas………………….
El Shaarawy…………………Bacca……………………….Ronaldo

Subs: Patricio, Romagnoli, Cahill, Valero, Yarmolenko, Mandzukic, Michy B


Injuries haven’t been the kindest ahead of this north London derby, but it is what is and we don’t do excuses – We owe Fud’s Spurs team after they turned us over in the cup.

we want nice slick one touch passing today – the whole back line are comfortable on the ball, the holding midfielder is as comfortable on the ball as anyone and can pick out our runners with a long cross-field pass, and my front 3 can all get the ball down in a tricky situation and deal with it.


By slick one touch passing – I mean just that – doesn’t need to be slow or plodding, just because the ball can go backwards it doesn’t mean it’s negative play, we want to work the opposition, drawing them onto us before going through the gears and hitting the spaces we’ve manufactured. Bacca is the ace in the deck, yes he’s not a “big man” but he’s pretty good in the air and has a good turn of pace making him a nice out-ball but he also has lovely quick feet – this double skill means he’s perfect as the lone striker but it also enables us to go long if needs be.

The Defence – Built around the core principle of pace and exuberance out-wide but a solid centre…Not sure if Fud will go one or two up top, so we’ll go zonal at the back, Chiellini and Garay are solid specimens so anything coming in aerially I expect them to deal with, being run at could be tricky but they’ll stand their ground and smash through the striker(s) early doors to set the tone. Hysaj and Gaya are given the freedom to BOTH attack in the knowledge that I’ll persuade Luiz to sit and cover them.


The Midfield – Luiz comes in as a deep lying play-maker in the Pirlo mould but with the physical attributes to be a bit of a destroyer, will try to curb his enthusiasm for forward runs by asking him to cover the runs of our full-backs – fantastic in the air and a threat from set-pieces truly a genuine asset to the side, Marchisio is the box to box man today – not sure how fud will line up but I’d put good money on the Kante-Matic axis in midfield in which case Marchisio deals with Kante, he has the legs to stay with him and close him down…The leaves Cesc coming in for his debut as an advanced midfielder/playmaker – has a lovely eye for a pass and that uncanny knack of making late runs into the box and bringing a goal scoring threat, Matic is his man – he’s not a huge forward surging player so Cesc can just sit in his proximity and cut out the easy ball forcing him to go longer than he’d like.

The Trident – Losing Kane on the face of it may be a mistake but Bacca gives me a nicer fluidity to the side, scoring 1 in 2 in Serie A this season is as good a return as most, El Egypt and Ronaldo offer me a lovely amount of pace out-wide, I want them to stretch the play in the phases of our attacks taking Spurs’ FB’s with them BUT when Gaya and Hysaj get up in support I want them cutting to support Bacca allowing our FB’s to continue to run the line.

Subs 65 mins regardless

Valero >Marchisio

Michy B > El Sha

Mandy > Bacca

Man City tactics

--------------------Butland---------------------

--------Howedes--de Vrij--Laporte----------

-Cuadrado----------------------------Hector--

------------Gomes---Rabiot---Witsel---------

---------------Icardi-----------Iheanacho------
Subs: Batalla, Lovren, Layun, Kranevitter, Mirallas, Embolo, Sansone.

Strong Liverpool side so we need to look to use attacking pace and get forward and speed, press high up the pitch and force Liverpool to play long or rushed passes as often as possible. They don't have strong aerial forwards whereas we have a very solid defence in the air, so we need to pressure them as much as possible.

Our back 3 is Howedes, de Vrij and Laporte. Howedes and Laporte will be the one's looking to pick up their centre forward wherever possible. de Vrij will simply cover in behind and sweep up the defence. de Vrij will also help to double up on the centre forward depending on who is marking. This will look to make it tough for their centre forward on the ball at his feet and make it difficult when running in behind or running the channels. Cuadrado and Hector will tuck in as full backs to mark their wide men as often as possible so that we can have a solid 5 across the back, restricting space as well as not allowing them space or time on the ball to unpick our defence. Our 3 midfielders will look to press the ball when they have it in midfield and hunt in packs. This role takes a lot of energy to do but they have the quality. Icardi and Iheanacho will stay up on the defence and pressure them if they get the ball.

During the transition period, the players need to break out quickly and look to exploit the spaces that Liverpool have left on the break. Our wing backs will bust a gut to get forward to provide our width whereas Iheanacho and Icardi will be looking to drop in to littler pockets of space to make it difficult for them mark them and make their defence indecisive. Our 3 midfielders will be looking to play with the ball as much as possible.

Going forward, Cuadrado and Hector will act as wingers and really pin their wide men back as much as possible. Rabiot will be the deep lying playmaker, looking to pick up spaces in the midfield and supply the passes into more forward areas. Witsel has a dominant physical presence in midfield, he needs to be doing the box to box job so that he can track men going back towards our own goal but getting into the box and on the end of crosses. Looking to make powerful runs through the midfield wherever possible to make it difficult for their midfielders to take the ball off him. Gomes will act as the more advanced playmaker. He will play just off the front 2 up top and look to link the play with the midfield and attack. He needs to pick up pockets of spaces in the midfield so he can supply the passes going forward and really put their defence under pressure. Iheanacho will need movement constantly, dropping in the midfield to make it difficult for the defence to pick them up as well as running in behind by using his energy and pace. He needs to work himself and others around him the space to pick the passes or to produce something as well as being clinical with his finishing. Icardi will be the true number 9, staying on the last man and making it difficult for their defence as we want to drop them deeper and deeper. He will need to move and find space in the box to get a shot off. Clinical finishing needed and he needs to get on the end of all crosses coming into the box.

Subs:

Kranevitter > Rabiot, 70 mins
Sansone > Iheanacho, 75 mins
Layun > Hector, 75 mins

Fresh legs in each position looking to add that impact to the game.