BIRMINGHAM VS tranq

-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Walker---------------Toprak------------Verthonghen-----------------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Hamsik-------------Moutinho------------------------------------
Shaqiri---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Origi-----------------

Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Depay, Carvalho, Depay, 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. Toprak 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 + Hamsik
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. Hamsik has the ability to pick out a pass while Moutinho is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Shaqiri + Nolito
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. Shaqiri is also a tricky pacy winger who will look to cut in on to his stronger left foot. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning and get some decent crosses in. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Strike
Vardy + Origi
I want you both to use your pace to try and beat the offside trap. Vardy, 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. Origi will be the muscle in strike. He brings pace AND strenght which is a deadly combo.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Janssen for Origi. 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 Shawcross in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Janssen for Origi aswell.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Origi off for Janssen
Moutinho off for Florenzi
Nolito off for Depay

———————————-Courtois
Azpilicueta——Alderweireld——Koulibaly——Marcelo
Lamela—————Danilo————Rakitic———Carrasco
———————Aubameyang—Griezmann

Subs: Scuffet, Zouma, Koke, G.Castro, B.Keita, Williams, Lukaku

Captain: Cesar Azpilicueta
Free Kicks: Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang
Corners: Erik Lamela

Away from home but we need to be looking to play on the front foot, take advantage of our greater quality and use our hard working players to play the game in the way we want, which is with us on the front foot, out numbering them in the wide areas, stretching their defence out and creating the spaces between defenders that Griezmann and Aubameyang love to use. We will defend with a high block, looking to crowd the middle and force them wide and out of the main danger zones.

By playing the game on the front foot, using our better quality of players we should be able to force them back and make it easier to defend against them. When we lose the ball in their half we must look to box them in quickly with 11 players behind the ball with the front 4 working together to narrow to the ball and really squeeze the opposition players, likely their CBs and CMs and make sure that they can’t pass the ball out of the area they are confined to, doing so with two of them pressing the man and the other two closing off the opposition, so using pairs either CF and CF with wide man and wide man, or CF and wide man. Then we push our FBs onto their WBs so that they can’t be used to break out, our FBs tight them and blocking any attempt to pass too them, with Rakitic and Danilo blocking the route to the AMs and the two CBs in behind pushed up to keep our team very compact. This remains the same for anywhere we lose the ball in their half unless we lose it on the flanks in which case we press with three forwards and the opposite wide man tucks in as a third CM. We must remain so compact as to force them to rush longer balls that our CBs can mop up or attempt balls into the tightly packed zones with our players always on their toes ready to get there first, or they’ll look to go back to their CBs which then gives us time to get back into our organised shape, defending with two narrow banks of four and the two forwards which will be the shape we defend in when we lose the ball in our half.

This shape makes it easy to defend in thirds and in pairs, so if we lose it in either of the two wide zones the FB and wide man go across to press the WB, doubling up on him allowing us to dominate this area of the field and bring across the two CMs, Rakitic just ahead of Danilo doing the initial press if they manage to the ball infield from the wide area, with Danilo in the side to add the powerful shield in front of the defence, so if the FB and wide man are beaten and then Rakitic, Danilo will be in position to just step in and take the ball back. One forward will also narrow to the play but he will be behind the ball, so that when we win it we can get him the ball quickly, with the other forward close by but further forward, usually positioned on the flank to drag a CB into an uncomfortable position. This leaves the opposite wide forward to narrow slightly to the CMs but give himself enough room to deal with the WB in the unlikely event they manage to switch the play quickly, if they go infield it also means they can’t outnumber us as he’ll get across, which then leaves the opposite FB to narrow to the CBs and act as a spare man who presses the play quickly in the unlikely event City get past the other 4/5 crowding their path, he steps in and stops balls into the CFs leaving our two main CBs to just man mark, keep tight and deal with their CFs. Defending the middle third is simple, two banks of fours and two forwards, forwards behind the midfield just in front of the defence to stop them going backwards and to stay in position to break. Behind them two narrow fours, squeeze the space rather than the man and make it difficult to pass their way through, using the 4’s to make sure theres no space between our players, especially between CB and FB. If they go wide to the WBs we shuffle across as above but other than that, keep together and wait for the chance to win it.

When we win the ball and no matter where we win it, our first aim is to get the ball wide, usually to Carrasco but if not out to Lamela. In the wide areas we see us being able to get a lot of joy, particularly by doubling up with Marcelo and Carrasco against Cuadrado, by getting Carrasco running at him and Marcelo making runs beyond him out to the touchline we can force Howedes out to come help out leaving their two other CBs isolated against Aubameyang and Griezmann who will work on tangent, one going towards play, i.e. in these attacks looking to run down the side of Lovren, and the other waiting in the middle, whilst Lamela will also come narrow to add another player, either in the box or just a little deeper, looking to play between their defence and midfield where he can be a source of creating, leaving Azpi to hog the touchline and keep Hector stretched out, knowing that Azpi has to energy to narrow quickly if he needs to at any point to defend counters. This works the same on the other wing, so if we are doubling up with Lamela and AZpi, Carrasco can come infield. Infield we can also cause issues by having Griezmann and Aubameyang playing off each other and in turn having the two wingers working off the two forwards by making out to in runs, all 4 confident in front of goal and carrying a lot of speed and trickery. When one CF drops towards play to link things up the other looks to spin in behind the defenders, usually the side of the wide CBs but if those two come forwards to cancel out the runs of our wingers it allows one of the forwards to spin behind off the middle CB. Azpi and Marcelo know their jobs, they have to play high up the field, keep the WBs pegged back and occupied as this limits their ability to break out, whilst Rakitic and Danilo anchor the midfield, Rakitic using his passing range to keep us on the front foot and provide a link man, able to pick runs out faster than their defenders can see them, Danilo covering gaps. If we are struggling to break them down we will play 4 narrow forwards against their 3 CBs and push the FBs right up, using our forwards to make in to out runs and runs in behind, work off each other to find a way through, it leaves us vulnerable but if we attack this high up we can force their midfield back and make it easier for the 4 more defensive players to cover counters as there won’t be enough numbers left high up the field for City to out number us, were confident both FBs at the very least can get back in position if our press doesnt work.

Subs:

If Winning: Koke for Carrasco 70’ fresh energy in the midfield. Zouma for Lamela 75’, 3-4-3 with Azpilicueta and Marcelo as WBs. Keita for Griezmann 80’, fresh legs to hurt them on the counter.

If Drawing: Williams for Lamela 70’, new speed and someone who will take advantage with runs between WB and CB when they are stretched. Lukaku for Carrasco 75’, Griezmann go wide, Lukaku up front, 4-2-4 push them right back. Koke for Danilo 80’, more mobile in the midfield, he and Rakitic work hard to keep us on top.

If Losing: Koke and Lukaku for Lamela and Danilo 60’, Griezmann wide, Lukaku CF 4-2-4 as above. Castro for Marcelo 70’, 3-3-4 with Castro into midfield.

Portsmouth vs MAN UTD

-----------------------Leno--------------------
----Dier-----Rudiger----Evans----Bernat---
-------------Dembele-----Ramsey-----------
---Navas-------------Ozil-----------Mata----
---------------------Martinez------------------
Subs: Trapp, Traore, Baines, Milner, McCarthy, Mor, Sanabria.

Tough first game away from home against Portsmouth so we are going to look to play on the counter where we can and use our quality going forward to unlock their defence as often as we can.

Defensively, 4 solid defenders in this side. No nonsense defending from any of them in this game and everything gets launched up the field or out wide for our wide men to give chase and look to feed off as many scraps as possible up top. If we get the chance to play out, then we will do and we will look to make short passes, work through the midfield on the break, slow the tempo down and wait for our openings and be patient. Full backs have to be switched on to their threat out wide, avoiding them cutting inside onto their stronger foot where possible. They need to show them onto their weaker side and into less dangerous areas but not going man to man to leave gaps in the defence. Rudiger and Evans the CB's. Nothing silly in this game as Rudiger marks the main striker up top, not giving him the time or space to turn. He needs to be on hand at all times to close him down quickly and mark him tightly so he doesn't get the space to play the ball around our defence. Evans sits well in behind and everything over the defence gets cleared as far or as wide as it can go to take the pressure off. Dembele and Ramsey work as a pairing in deeper areas to close their more advanced midfielders down quickly as well as restricting the space in the middle. If we get an opportunity to play then we need to play the ball through these 2 if we can so we can build our attack. Our main threat of attack has to be through these 2 in midfield. Our 3 more advanced midfielders will drop in to watch runs of any of their deeper players as well, getting 10 players behind the ball when defending. Martinez stays up top, closing the defence down and just having a threat up top.

Going forward, Martinez being the focal point has to work hard. He needs to run after the ball as much as possible to try and retrieve it so we can break quickly. He needs to work to hold the ball up because he does have power and he needs to feed off scraps best he can and work with the midfield on the break in the transition period which is important. When we can, we need to play the ball through the midfield at the base as often as we can, play short passes, be patient and look for gaps to open up. We have plenty of pace with Navas out wide so he needs to use that to get into 1v1's in wide areas as often s possible and whip some dangerous crosses into the box. Ozil and Mata will operate more centrally, picking up pockets of space in the midfield and looking to exploit these and thread little passes through to Martinez and in behind the defence. Ramsey will come forward more to support the attacking players as he needs to pick these pockets of spaces. Our full backs can also come forward and support as well with Bernat providing width out left and Dier supporting Navas on the right. Dembele more capable of sitting to protect just in case we lose the ball. But we need to be patient, build up our attacks where possible and look to thread passes in behind the defence. Martinez needs to look to run in behind and attack the box and the ball and finish with quality.

Subs:

Baines > Bernat, 70 mins
McCarthy > Ramsey, 75 mins
Mor > Mata, 80 mins

Baines coming on for fresh legs and more attacking support. McCarthy as a deep lying playmaker to create in midfield. Mor coming on to provide more width and to cut inside and deliver crosses.

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 7. Mkhitaryan ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 39. Son

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 12. Smalling, 16. De Rossi, 5. Wijnaldum, 23. Eriksen, 32. Antonio, 21. Gameiro

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 Coutinho coming into the side bringing his energy with him, helping with dominating the last third alongside Robben Mkhitaryan and Son. 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 Coquelin and Xhaka will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Coquelin and Xhaka 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. Mkhitaryan 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 Coquelin and Xhaka 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. Xhaka 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 Coutinho 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 Coutinho 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.

Son 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, Coutinho and Mkhitaryan to create and take chances.

SUBS:

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

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

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

---------------------------- Neuer
----------- Varane ------ Hummels ---- Savic
Alves -- Fernandinho -- Gundogan -- Matuidi --- Guerreiro
-------------- Lewandowski ----- Morata

Subs: Navas, Jones, Digne, Can, Costa, Martial, Payet

A slight change in formation this week, we go in with a midfield overload looking to stretch the play with our quick wing-backs and getting constant service into the front two. A fluid formation that allows us to very strong offensively whilst being rigid and structured at the back.

I want us very direct and playing at a high tempo, creating as many lines as possible in midfield. Movement is essential as we look to create holes in the opposition backline, ensure there is plenty of width on offer and link up with fluidity, snappy passes into feet, quick one two's and first time balls beyond their backline.

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, 3 CB’s and Fernandinho sit back and watch for any counters, Alves/Guerreiro take it in turns to bomb forward.

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 wingbacks stay wide and the front 2 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. At times go for the simple long ball up top to bypass their phases of pressing.

We need to be highly structured at all times and work as a unit. Our front two will initially press from the front, ensuring there is no easy pass on going forwards. A diamond in mf with Fernandinho at the base, the two in front pressing the space, quick on their toes. Alves and Guerreiro will drop off the more the opposition progress, we rely on their work-rate to form 'banks' in midfield and then defence.

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 WG-backs 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 backline, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still.

WG-backs 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 forwards and get service into them 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’s 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 and Morata strong as outlets, link up as much as possible and get our midfield and flankers into the game. At times Morata can drop deep to get involved, look to win aerial duels and press from the front as a pair.

Subs:
65th minute - If winning - (3-5-2 )
Can > Matuidi
Payet > Morata
Can a fresh face in mf, Payet plays in the hole just behind Lewandowski, stay compact defensively and hit them on the break if they flood forward.

70th minute – if draw - (4-3-3)
Costa > Savic
Payet > Morata
Digne > Guerreiro
Further pace and creativity with Costa and Payet on the wings, get at tired legs and look for a winner.

70th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Costa > Savic
Coman > Matuidi
Martial > Morata
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct, Martial partners Lewa, Costa and Coman as wingers with support from FB's.

C – Neuer
FK’s – Guerreiro (Payet – 70th minute if on)
Corners –Gundogan (Payet – 70th minute if on)
Pens - Lewandowski

STOKE CITY v Aston Villa

Line Up:

Rulli
Fabinho Jedvaj Koscielny Coentrao
Gustavo
Kovacic Wilshere
Jese Benzema Ribery

Substitutes: Krul; Montoya; Sagna; Herrera; Pjaca; Perisic; 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 Aston Villa can play. When Aston Villa 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 Aston Villa manage to win possession in the centre of the pitch then we have three tenacious midfielders in Gustavo, Wilshere 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 Aston Villa players to play in to. With fast centre backs in Jedvaj 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 Aston Villa 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 Aston Villa 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, Wilshere 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 Aston Villa’ defence to play wide as well. This will create more holes in their defence for our forwards to exploit. In the centre, Jedvaj 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 Aston Villa defence.

Substitutions:

70 minutes: Perisic for Jese

75 minutes: Herrera for Wilshere

80 minutes: Pjaca for Ribery

Red card:

In the event that anyone gets sent off, mkhi will be the one to go off for the following

Smalling for defence
Begovic for keeps
De Rossi for either deep midfielders
Eriksen for any of the three behind the striker
Gameiro if son

Yeah I should do a red card thing, too...

We'll take Jese off for the following:

Keeper: Krul
Full Back: Montana
Centre Back: Sagna
Centre Mid: Herrera
Forward: Keep Jese on, unless he was the one sent off.

Hull – Karius, Vietto, Wimmer, Geis, Biglia suspended

Captain: Sule
Penalties: Werner (Pohjanpalo)
Free Kicks: Brandt

-------------------------Horn
Klostermann--Sule-------Süle -------Henrichs
-------------Stark----------Goretzka
Volland--------------Óliver-----------Brandt
--------------------Werner

Subs: Hennessey, Weiser, Dahoud, Kampl, Keïta, Schöpf, Pohjanpalo


Our defensive unit consists of Jonathan Tah and Niklas Süle paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Benjamin Henrichs at left-back, with Niklas Stark 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 Stark 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, Niklas Stark.

A holding midfielder through and through, Stark 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 Stark such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Kevin Volland, Óliver Torres, and Julian Brandt as our band of three attacking midfielders with Timo Werner 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 Stark or Goretzka, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Klostermann and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Stark and Goretzka can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt 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, Brandt or Werner in via fast passing combinations.

Very much like his comrades (Óliver Torres, Volland & Brandt), Timo Werner 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. Werner 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 Werner

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.

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

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

------- Modric -- Busquets -- Pogba ------

Sanchez --------- Dybala --------- Neymar

Lafont, Stones, Diawara, Gotze, Gabigol, Sterling, Benteke

In goal De Gea, a fantastic shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.

Boateng alongside Bonucci is as good a partnership you will see in the league, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Boateng alongside is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.

Ricardo and Lahm at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.

We go with a midfield 3 of Modric, Busquets and Pogba, three absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield going man for man, Busquets will pick up the most advanced midfielder, the second most advanced will be picked up by one of the other two depending what side he goes to thus allowing our 3rd player to be free to close down the DM if he decideds to roam , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then Modric/Pogba will drive forward leaving Busquets to sit in and depending on which fullback is attacking Modric/Pogba will cover for the marauding fullbacks who will drive on into support the front three, they all have impressive workrate so if the ball is lost they track back and provide a formidible barrier for them to try and break down. they all have a great eye for a pass so look to control things and pass about with ease looking for the break, especially Modric who will control things in the centre, alot will go through him so others will make sure they are ready for a pass to feet from him, they can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Neymar and Sanchez coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Dybala and the wingers cutting in. Quick passing from the three as to not be shut down by the opposition midfielders.

Sanchez and Neymar both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Dybala. Neymar focusses more on the tricks and twists to see him passed, whereas Sanchez likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use the CMs and wait for the return. Also alot of the time Ricardo/Lahm will be up so they will be troublesome for the fullbacks. . When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.

Dybala will get plenty chances, he must put away this side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Our forwards must hit them with pace and look to run them ragged with there movement. Dybala is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front three will be a threat today we must go for it. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar and Sanchez running into support. With others (Modric/Pogba/FB's)making dangerous runs into the area also

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Dybala/Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Losing
70 Mins - Benteke for Modric 442
80 Mins - Gabigol for Sanchez, Sterling for Dybala, Sterling on the left, Neymar up top with Benteke

Winning -
70 Mins - Diawara for Modric the youngster comes on to shore things up
80 Mins - Benteke and Sterling for Dybala and Neymar, fresh legs up top to go at tiring defenders and hold things up if need be

Drawing -
70 Mins - Benteke for Dybala
80 Mins - Gotze for Modric, Sterling for Sanchez

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

Bellerin - Holding - Sokratis - Mustafi - Monreal

--------- Banega --- M.Elneny --- Cazorla ---------

----------------Walcott ----- A.Milik -----------------

Heaton, Sorensen, Bazoer, Cataldi, Iwobi, Immobile, Poulsen

Away to Leicester doesn't get much harder, so we go out not to lose this game, even if we have five at the back Bellerin is more like a wing back so will push on.

Ter Stegen will control the back 5, he is a top keeper and will dominate his area. Shout instructions to the defenders. He is solid shot stopper and will close down strikers to reduce the shooting angles if they get through. Out for high balls and punch clear what he cant catch. Always on his toes.

Now our back 5 is extremely important, Leicester are class so we must close them down early and not allow any of them to dictate play, Sokratis central will man mark Costa, where ever he is Sokratis will be right up his pooper, do not give him any time or space to get in on goal, its just that simple for Sokratis today, no more no less, keep Costa or his replacement out of the game, when they attack we can double up on which ever side they attack as there wingbacks will push forward, So our fullbacks take care of them push them back, do not allow them up into the danger area, Holding and Mustafi are left to watch the two attacking midfielders/wingers they pay close attention to them again a real in yer face performance to stop them getting the ball to Costa, we want to push them all back so be aggressive, make them wary of holding on to the ball too long, the Leicester boys wont like it. So that's 5 on 5 leaving Kroos and Vidal to contend with so we line up with 3 across the middle, Elneny will look to take on the most advanced one of the two, he is solid enough to take this role on, again up an at them leaving them no space, if its Kroos don't let him dictate, if its Vidal stop his powerful runs from deep, this is leaving Banega and Cazorla to stop the other one, we will always have one spare midfielder so help double up on players, even push back to help the cbs with the attacking midfielders. They wont have the balls to send a CB up when facing Walcott and Milik so defensively my job is done, they now need to put that onto the pitch.

Going forward, well we need the ball first, when we do look to get to ground, Bellerin out right and as we have the ball Walott will drift that way, those two are explosive down the right hand side, using Banega as a pivot, play quick passing o feet and Banega will look to release the pair against a wingback, if we get in beyond him then we will trouble there back 3, especially with Milik occupying one of them. Monreal down the left not so attacking but at least he keeps our defence solid. Cazorla doesn't exactly sprint away these days so will be picking the ball up and look to push it wide right or through to Milik. Our back 3 stay tight, they may play the ball out of the defence but always look to get it to our ball players Banega or Cazorla, they will turn on a sixpence and pass it forward.

Our attack will come from mostly Bellerin, Walcott and Milik today, with Banega and Cazorla supplying the amo. Milik always on the last CB but run him ragged always look for gaps to appear to run into, hopefully he will be found, good in the air for crosses coming in, look to leap early to beat the CB, good on the ground to so look to turn the CB and get in on goal. Or right hand side will be difficult for them to handle, so we must use this to our advantage, Bellerin has freedom to support Walcott and there LWB will soon get tired chasing shadows. We will eventually take advantage of this.

Quick passing, triangles, one twos we must get round them, but when they have a real push to get them back and away from goal especially that cnt Costa, Sokratis take a yellow if need be...

Captain - Mustafi
Pens - Cazorla
Free Kicks - Cazorla
Corners - Cazorla

Subs -
Losing -
70 Mins - Iwobi on for Banega he goes LW, Immobile for Holding he goes up top with Walcott going to RW. We now have more of a threat down the left hand side with Iwobi up against a tiring WB - 442

80 Mins - Youssef Poulsen for Milik, power and pace to hurt there back 3

Winning -
70 Mins Cataldi for Banega same role, more energy
80 Mins - Bazoer for Milik, he goes into Elnenys role and Elneny drops in behind, get passed that mofo
85 Mins - Poulsen for Walcott

Drawing -
70 Mins - Poulsen for Milik, Cataldi for Banega
80 Mins - Iwobi for Walcott

Willams in for Mustafi he is injured

------------------ Ter Stegen ------------------
Bellerin --- Sokratis --- Mustafi --- Monreal
--------------------- Elneny ---------------------
-------------- Cataldi --- Asensio --------------
Walcott ------------------------------- Fortune
------------------- Hernandez ------------------

Heaton, Holding, Danilo, Oxlade, Defour, Cazorla, Giroud

Captain Mustafi 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, Mustafi 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 Cataldi 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.

Elneny ahead has a power of work in him, will harrass there attacking midfielder all day long. Very energetic player and wont give them a breather. Elneny 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 Elneny's job. Cataldi will act as the box to box, he supports the defence when they drive at us but when we attack he takes up the playmaker role, he will allow Asensio to push on as he takes up the AM role just ahead of him, this allows Asensio to roam and become a nuisance. Cataldi will be looking up to make the correct pass wether its to Asensio 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.
Asensio 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 Cataldi is looking up Asensio will try and get into space for Cataldi 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.


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. Yassine Fortune in today 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 Asensio until the right moment to play the presicion pass that will get the attackers 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 with Elneny in between making it as difficult as possible for them.

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 - Mustafi
Penalties - Chicarito
FreeKicks - Asensio
Corners - Asensio

Subs -

Half Time - Oxlade for Fortune straight swap

Losing -
60 Mins - Cazorla for Cataldi will look to dictate the game
70 Mins - Giroud for Asensio go 442
80 Mins - Bellerin into RM, Walcott up in a 343

Winning -
70 Mins - Defour for Asensio, Cazorla for Cataldi, Defour drops in beside Elneny allowing Cazorla to play just ahead of them

Drawing -
70 Mins - Cazorla for Asensio look to open things up
80 Mins - Giroud for Hernandez, big, powwrful and brutul but still good for a goal if needed

—————————-Bravo
-------Azpilicueta---Christensen---Koulibaly
Vrsaljko---------Castro-------Koke--------Grimaldo
—————B.Traore————Griezmann
—————————Lukaku


Subs: Scuffet, Aina, Donsah, Casemiro, Lamela, B.Keita, Aubameyang

Captain: Koke
Free Kicks: Koke/Alejandro Grimaldo
Corners: Koke
Penalties: Antoine Griezmann

Hard trip away to Hull in the cup, we’ve shaken the team up a little but we look to maintain our excellent form bit on a solid defence with attacking freedom at the other end of the pitch to allow our flair players to express themselves.

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, Griezmann and Traore taking it in turns to take more responsibility so the other can focus on getting close to Lukaku. With the 3 CBs and line of 4 that are solid defensively it means that other than this pressing, the forwards can focus on getting forward and hurting the remaining Hull defenders. As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Castro and Koke looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Hull’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 one forward to do the pressing, these four working constantly, the WBs narrowing in to our compact unit to get a foot in and one forward dropping slightly deeper than the other two, 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 Christensen and Koulibaly 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 Hull have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going wide as we can use our wing backs and SS’s to good effect when we win the ball back, stretch the game and open up room for Lukaku.

If Hull 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, 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 Koke closed right in blocking the route out whilst the forward on that side comes back to press and then act as the link man to the two high forwards who are 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 Hull 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, Traore 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 Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Castro and Koke also there behind our attacks covering our attackers, 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. Castro and Koke keep the ball ticking, they can see Hull’s defence in front of them which means they know where the gaps are and they can see when they have a chance for one of them to push further up the field, this means the forward 3 can use them for wall passes to get in quickly, particularly Koke who’s clinical high up the field. 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 Grimaldo 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 Griezmann looking to be the one buzzing around and linking everything up, from midfield to attack and attack to WBs, he’s the main man, the one looking to drag the opposition about breaking Hull’s shape and making excellent dieting runs behind their defence, leaving Traore and Lukaku the freedom to hurt Hull’s back line using their youthful flair and confidence and ability to beat a man. 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 Lukaku 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 Hull’s defenders about. When were attacking from deeper we can use the passing range of Christensen and the like to launch attacks, bypass Hull’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: Donsah for Traore 65’, Koke into AM, Donsah adds extra energy to cover midfield. Aina and Keita for Vrsaljko and Lukaku 75’, Keita in AM drifting around, Griezmann CF.

If Drawing: Keita for Traore 70’, fresh energy and ideas. Donsah and Aubameyang for Vrsaljko and Lukaku 75’, Donsah to be more driving in his play.

If Losing: Lamela and Aubameyang for Vrsaljko and Traore 65’, Lamela play higher up the field. Keita for Grimaldo 75’, Lamela plays in midfield

Bravo
Azpilicueta Christensen Koulibaly
Lamela Castro Koke
Griezmann Aubameyang Lukaku Keita

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 16. De Rossi —— 5. Wijnaldum
11. Reus ————— 17. de Bruyne ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 9. Higuain

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 12. Smalling, 38. Barry, 28. Schneiderlin, 23. Eriksen, 7. Mkhitaryan, 21. Gameiro

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 Coutinho coming into the side bringing his energy with him, helping with dominating the last third alongside Reus KDB and Higuain. 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 Wijnaldum will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. DDR and Wij 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 DDR and Wij 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. Wij 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 Coutinho and Reus 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 Coutinho 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 Reus, Coutinho and KDB to create and take chances.

SUBS:

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

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

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for KDB. Attacking 4-4-2 with Mkhi and Win in the middle and Reis on the right Coutinho on the left. Gameiro and Higgers up front.

BIRMINGHAM VS Wolves

-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Walker---------------Toprak------------Verthonghen-----------------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Hamsik-------------Florenzi------------------------------------
Shaqiri---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Origi-----------------

Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Carvalho, Young, Mario, Mertens, 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. Toprak 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
Florenzi + Hamsik
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. Hamsik has the ability to pick out a pass while Florenzi is an engine which can run all day long. They complement each other perfectly.

Wingers
Shaqiri + Nolito
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 both are deadly on them. Shaqiri is also a tricky pacy winger who will look to cut in on to his stronger left foot. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning and get some decent crosses in. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Strike
Vardy + Origi
I want you both to use your pace to try and beat the offside trap. Vardy, 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. Origi will be the muscle in strike. He brings pace AND strenght which is a deadly combo.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Janssen for Origi. Also bring on Young for Nolito and Mertens for Moutinho. Play a high line and try and get a goal.

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

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Origi off for Janssen
Florenzi off for Carvalho
Nolito off for Young

--------------------Lloris
Clyne---Manolas----Tah----Bertrand
----------------Krychowiak
--------Verratti--------Herrera
Dembele------------------------Gaitan
-------------------Kane
Subs
Ward, Bartra, Wendell, Henderson, Tolisso, Lallana, Sturridge


Lloris 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.


Manolas 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 Kane, 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.
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 - Verratti 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 Kane 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. Herrera 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 - Kane takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Kane is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lallana for Gaitan - 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 - Henderson for Herrera and Tolisso for Verratti - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Henderson and Wendell for Krychowiak and Bertrand - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Sturridge, Bartra and Lallana for Bertrand, Krychowiak and Clyne - 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.

Hull - Wimmer, Kampl, Brandt, Kostic

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

--------------------------Horn
Weiser--------Stark-------Süle -------Henrichs
-----------------Geis--------Goretzka
Óliver----------------Schopf--------------Gnabry
--------------------------Vietto

Subs: Karius, Klostermann, Biglia, Dahoud, Keïta, Volland, Pohjanpalo


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

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis 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 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 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, 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 dead ball specialist.

The attacking unit consists of Óliver Torres, Alessandro Schöpf and Serge Gnabry 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 Goretzka, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Geis and Goretzka can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Oliver Torres and Serge Gnabry 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 Oliver, Gnabry or Vietto in via fast passing combinations.

Very much like his comrades (Óliver Torres, Schöpf & Gnabry), 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: Dahoud 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.

Comment deleted by Article Creator

-------------------- Lafont -------------------
P.Lahm -- J.Stones -- Bonucci -- D.Blind
------------------- Diawara ------------------
------------- Gotze ------ Pogba ------------
Gabigol ---------------------------- Sterling
------------------- Benteke ------------------

Dragowski, Mensah, Busquets, Paredes, Sanchez, Aguero, Gabriel

In goal Lafont, a fantastic young shot stopper and a keeper that instills confidence in the back four, leads by example from the back, shouting instructions to hos defenders. Out quickly to shut down strikers and close there shooting angles down. Punches clear what he cant catch from high balls and likes to release early to set up quick counters.

John Stones alongside Bonucci, on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF, we must still be wary of whoever it is. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, will keep the CF away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Stones alongside is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, both are more than good enough to carry the ball out from the back, Stones will help out Bonucci if needed.

Blind and Lahm at fullback, when we attack one goes at a time the other sits back. When they attack I want them bombing down the wing over lapping the winger to allow them to cut inside, quick passing between the two to get them passed the opposition fullback, which will see the fullback drive towards the bye line to get a quick cross in. If its not a cross then look for the winger inside to play a quick pass back to them so they can drive into the box. Defending both will have to be vigilant and always mindful of the tricks the opposite winger can do. Be onto them quickly not allowing them the time to get going, push them out wide and stop them becoming a threat.

We go with a midfield 3 of Gotze, Diawara and Pogba, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield going man for man, Amadou Diawara will pick up the most advanced midfielder he will sit in today and boss the midfield just in front of the two Cbs, the second most advanced will be picked up by one of the other two depending what side he goes to thus allowing our 3rd player to be free to close down the DM if he decideds to roam , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then Gotze/Pogba will drive forward leaving Diawara to sit in and depending on which fullback is attacking Gotze/Pogba will cover for the marauding fullbacks who will drive on into support the front three, they all have impressive workrate so if the ball is lost they track back and provide a formidible barrier for them to try and break down. they all have a great eye for a pass so look to control things and pass about with ease looking for the break, especially Pogba who will control things in the centre, alot will go through him so others will make sure they are ready for a pass to feet from him, they can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Gabigol and Sterling coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Benteke and the wingers cutting in. Quick passing from the three as to not be shut down by the opposition midfielders.

Gabigol and Sterling both quick with nimble feet which more often than not takes them passed the fullback, wether they knock it passed them and drive on or simple a quick turn, and there away. Will have fullbacks supporting them so this allows them to pass and cut inside where both are very useful. Give and go, wait for the return and go for goal, or look to drive into the box in support of Benteke. Gabigol focusses more on the tricks and twists to see him passed so he can drive into the danger area to go for goal, whereas Sterling likes to make the pass that gives him time to look for space for him to drive into and use the CMs and wait for the return. Also alot of the time Blind/Lahm will be up so they will be troublesome for the fullbacks. . When defending look to get back and stop there defenders becoming a threat. Like said they support the defenders when they have the ball and the defenders support them when we attack.

Benteke will get plenty chances, he must put away this side who will be solid at the back. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Our forwards must hit them with pace and look to run them ragged with there movement. Benteke is as good as you will see in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges. He is a very powerful lad so at times he will just brush passed CBs on his way to goal. All of our front three will be a threat today we must go for it. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Gabigol/Sterling running into support. With others (Gotze/Pogba/FB's)making dangerous runs into the area also

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go fr it, at the same time nothing risky.

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Pogba
Free kicks - Gotze
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
60 Mins - Aguero for Benteke, Sanchez for Gabigol
80 Mins - Gabriel Jesus for Lahm go 3-4-1-2 with Pogba in beside Diawara

Winning -
70 Mins - Busquets for Gotze he sits in with Diawara, his experience will help him thrugh the final 20
80 Mins - Aguero and Sanchez for Benteke and Gabigol

Drawing -
65 Mins - Modric for Gotze, Aguero for Benteke, Sanchez for Gabigol 3 straight swaps
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hull City vs MAN CITY

-------------------------Butland--------------------
--------Howedes------de Vrij-----Laporte-------
-Cuadrado----------------------------------Hector-
-------------------Rabiot-------Witsel---------------
---------------------------Tadic----------------------
---------------Iheanacho------Icardi---------------
Subs: Batalla, Matip, Layun, Wanyama, Mirallas, Konoplayanka, Embolo.

Difficult cup match away at Hull but we are looking to press the ball high in midfield to prevent their "double pivot" and we want to limit that threat as much as possible. Our front 2 pressurising the defence so we can win the ball back in higher areas and use the wing backs as our width.

Defensively we have to be solid in this game. When defending, our wing backs tuck in as full backs and we play with 5 across the back, making it tough for their wide men and forwards to find space in behind our in between the gaps in our defence. Rabiot will tuck in as the DM in this case, tracking any forward runners and protecting the back 4 as well. Witsel and Tadic will pressurise the "double pivot" that Hull like to set up with in midfield. They will look to put pressure on that midfield pairing, not giving them time to pick the passes or find the space to create/ Pressing them in midfield, limiting their effect so that we can break quickly when necessary. Icardi and Iheanacho will put pressure on the defence and work hard as much as possible. They need to be really in their faces so that they hurry their passes so that we can win the ball back in higher areas and look to break quickly. Aim is to really take the game to Hull and test their ability to play with the ball around our defence.

During the transition period, our wing backs need to work the channels and move forward into more attacking areas. Witsel operates as the box to box midfielder, so he needs to be up quickly as well and Tadic, Icardi and Iheanacho look to win the ball in high areas and move quickly.

Going forward, our main source of width comes through our wing backs. When we have the ball, they push forward and play as wingers in this case. They press the full backs back as much as possible. Tadic operates in AM, floating around looking for space and working off the front 2 as much as possible to find the space. Iheanacho has to move around, he has to be the one that will be difficult for the defence to pick up and his movement has to be key in creating space for Icardi and other attacking players and creating gaps for us to work through. Our width is important as we need to get the full backs in 1v1 situations so we can put some dangerous crosses into the box. With Witsel being the box to box midfielder, he will be the man to aim for initially in the box. Iheanacho and Icardi will look to work off the 2nd balls from crosses or attack them if they aimed towards them. Tadic will look to pick up a pocket of space to cause their defence problems. Rabiot hangs near the edge of the area or about 30 yards from goal so that he can recycle the ball and we can move it once again. Our crosses have to be put in with pace and have to be dangerous and behind the defence and difficult for them to deal with. Icardi as the natural finisher will play on the last man, so he will use Iheancho's movement as a decoy, use that space to his own and look to find that half a yard of space off the defender or in the area to get some shots off at goal. We will have plenty of men in the box for crosses at goal, so there shouldn't be any excuses for not carving out chances.

Final message, with this being a cup game, we are playing against a good side with good youngsters. However I do feel as if this team is better than what Hull can put out so we are having a go and taking a risk against Hull and taking the game to them to see if we can progress further into the next round.

Subs:

Kranevitter > Witsel, 75 mins
Layun > Hector, 80 mins
Embolo > Iheanacho, 80 mins

------------------ Ter Stegen -----------------
Bellerin --- Sokratis -- Mustafi --- Monreal
--------------------- Elneny --------------------
-------------- Cazorla -- Asensio -------------
Walcott ------------------------------- Oxlade
------------------- Hernandez -----------------

Heaton, Holding, Cataldi, Danilo, Fortune, Austin, Giroud

Captain Mustafi 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, Mustafi 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 Cazorla 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.

Elneny ahead has a power of work in him, will harrass there attacking midfielder all day long. Very energetic player and wont give them a breather. Elneny 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 Elneny's job. Cazorla will act as the box to box, he supports the defence when they drive at us but when we attack he takes up the playmaker role, he will allow Asensio to push on as he takes up the AM role just ahead of him, this allows Asensio to roam and become a nuisance. Cazorla will be looking up to make the correct pass wether its to Asensio 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.
Asensio 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 Asensio will try and get into space for Cataldi 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.


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. Oxlade back in today is 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 Asensio until the right moment to play the presicion pass that will get the attackers 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 with Elneny in between making it as difficult as possible for them.

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 - Mustafi
Penalties - Chicarito
FreeKicks - Asensio
Corners - Asensio

Subs -

Losing -
70 mins - Austin and Giroud on for Hernandez and Asensio 4-4-2 with Cataldi on for Cazorla as well

Winning
70 Mins - Danilo for Cazorla he drops in beside Elneny, Giroud for Hernandez

Drawing
70 Mins - Fortune for Oxlade, Giroud for Hernandez, Cataldi for Cazorla

—————————Bravo
———Azpilicueta—-Terry—-Koulibaly
Vrsaljko———Danilo——Casemiro——Marcelo
—————Carrasco————B.Keita
————————Aubameyang

Subs: Courtois, Adarabioyo, Rakitic, Koke, Loftus-Cheek, Griezmann, Lukaku

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco
Corners: Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco
Penalties: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Tricky tie but we havent lost a game this season so tails are up and we are ready to get stuck into the opposition. This weekend we go with a midfield two of Danilo and Casemiro in order to first and foremost stifle the opposition and then look to build on a solid base by offering freedom to our forwards, Keita and Aubameyang in particular who will be looking to lead the charge.

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, Carrasco with more responsibility so Keita can focus on getting close to Aubameyang. With the 3 CBs and line of 4 that are solid defensively it means that other than this pressing, the forwards can focus on getting forward and hurting the remaining Newcastle defenders, looking to transition quickly to 3 v 3’s(Newcastle will push a FB forward in attacks). As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Danilo and Casemiro looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Newcastle’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 Carrasco to do the pressing, these four working constantly, the WBs narrowing in to our compact unit to get a foot in and one forward dropping slightly deeper than the other two, 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 Terry and Koulibaly using their power to deal with the central strikers, looking to bully them out of the game, always putting their bodies in the way. With this system of defending in mind when Newcastle have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going wide as we can use our wing backs and SS’s to good effect when we win the ball back, stretch the game and opening up room for the forwards.

If Newcastle 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, 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, Casemiro and Danilo closed right in blocking the route out whilst the forward on that side comes back to press and then act as the link man to the two high forwards who are 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 Newcastle 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, Carrasco and Keita 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 Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Casemiro and Danilo also there behind our attacks covering our attackers, 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. Casemiro and Danilo keep the ball ticking, they can see Newcastle’s defence in front of them which means they know where the gaps are and they can see when they have a chance for one of them to push further up the field, this means the forward 3 can use them for wall passes to get in quickly. 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 something different and we know their wide men won’t track our WBs. That then leaves the front three, with Carrasco looking to be the one buzzing around and linking everything up, from midfield to attack and attack to WBs, the one looking to pick the ball up from midfield and play in the other two, leaving Keita and Aubameyang the freedom to hurt Newcastle’s back line using their speed and trickery to beat a man and make runs in behind, particularly when one drops deeper towards the ball it drags a CB out and leaves space between the FB(who will have to cover the WBs forward movement and the other CB, if either Keita or Aubameyan receives the ball in this gap they are away. 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, so we have the movement to make holes in their defence. If they press the midfield we look to get the ball to the WBs high up the pitch with one quick ball forward and look to stretch the game out quickly, distorting their attempts to press us.

Subs:

If Winning: Loftus-Cheek for Carrasco 70’. Koke for Keita 75’. Adarabioyo for Vrsaljko 80’, Azpi RWB.

If Drawing: Rakitic for Danilo 70’, more creative force. Griezmann and Lukaku for Carrasco and Keita 75’.

If Losing: Rakitic for Vrsaljko 65’, push Carrasco out to RWB. Griezmann and Lukaku for Danilo and Marcelo 70’, 3-4-3 but a more offensive approach as with Man City irl WBs become forwards, Carrasco and Keita will play high up the field with Danilo and Casemiro sitting in front of the back 3, Rakitic and Griezmann as number 10’s gives us then a four man midfield to dominate the ball against their three, two wingers to stretch the play and 2 CFs tome their CBs around. Leaves the 3 man defence there as cover if they beat our high pressing, first the front 4 then our midfield:

Bravo
Azpilicueta Terry Koulibaly
Danilo Casemiro
Rakitic Griezmann
Carrasco Lukaku Aubameyang Keita

Arsenal vs Chelsea in’t cup

Injuries - Hart. Cahill, Valero, Bacca

……………………………………..Patricio……………………………….
………………..Rugani………….Chiellini………Romagnoli…………
Hysaj…………Fabregas…...Bender…..Marchisio………….De Sciglio
…………………………Di Maria……………………………………
………………………………………….Ronaldo…………………………..

Subs – Macey, Garay, Luiz, Berardi, Mandzukic, Michy B, Gaya


First things first it’s a front-two..not sure how it looks on paper but they will be close together with Ronaldo leading the line and ADM playing just off his shoulder – lovely amount of pace and power in that duo.
Chelsea’s big strength is their midfield but the trio we have put out today are good enough to keep them in check – we’ve beaten the Chels at their place once already this season, that’ll be in the back of their minds as they look to even the score.
As the away team we will keep it more compact than usual hold 2 banks of 3 across the middle and force Chelsea to try and find a way through – we need to avoid defeat more than we need to win this game. Soak up the pressure and smash em on the break.

The Defence:
A solid back 3, all clear 6ft so any long ball or aerial bombardment will be dealt with comfortably, Roma may be young but is firmly established in Italy squad now, so his link with Chiellini has Azzurri pedigree all over it, Rugs and Roma will shuffle wide if needs be to support our wing-backs. When we have the ball all 3 will step up, keeping the spaces between defence and midfield minimal – always leaves a simple out-ball – Rugani and Roma will go wide right and left much like enabling us to have those raking diagonal balls to quickly transition from defence to attack – if the counter bypasses the congested midfield so be it.


The Midfield:
No idea which of Fans’ collection of midfielders will start but he generally plays 4-3-3 so whichever way it lines up he has the same formula (anchor,playmaker,box to box)
Cesc will operate in the spaces given a sort of free role, with willing runners form the anchor men and 2 men in front of him – he’ll have plenty of targets, defensively Fans Anchor-man is HIS man.

Bender – will be the man to deal with Chelsea’s attacking midfielder, good in the air and a strong tackler, will hold his ground and put his foot in – decent on the ball but doesn’t need to be elaborate just keep it simple and play the way you’re facing.

Marchisio – whoever is the B2B man in their ranks will have Claudio for company – pretty simple plan but if we close them down man for man in the middle – we can and will stifle them.

Hysaj and De Sciglio – more of the midfield than the defence – will close on chelsea’s wide-men early, look to hit them on their “first touch” and force mistakes, both are quick so will look to be n their toes as soon as we get it.

Have already touched on ADM and CR7.


Subs 65 mins

Mandy >ADM – go to a proper 3-5-2 with Mandy the target-man and Ronaldo playing off him.. Mandy and Dybala do it perfectly so no reason why Ronaldo and Mandy can’t work.

Luiz > Bender – like for like, it’s destined that Luiz will score the winner against Fan just for the Banter

--------------------Lloris
Clyne---Manolas----Tah----Bertrand
----------------Krychowiak
--------Verratti--------Herrera
Dembele------------------------Gaitan
-------------------Kane
Subs
Ward, Bartra, Wendell, Henderson, Tolisso, Lallana, Sturridge


Lloris 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.


Manolas 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 Kane, 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.
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 - Verratti 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 Kane 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. Herrera 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 - Kane takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Kane is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Lallana for Gaitan - 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 - Henderson for Herrera and Tolisso for Verratti - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Henderson and Wendell for Krychowiak and Bertrand - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Sturridge, Bartra and Lallana for Bertrand, Krychowiak and Clyne - 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.