------------------------- Neuer -----------------
-------- Varane ------ Hummels ----- Laporte
Alves --- Gundogan -- Khedira --- Matuidi -- Guerreiro
-------------------------- Payet ----------------------------
---------------------- Lewandowski ------------------------
Subs: Jones, Digne, Fernandinho, Costa, Coman, Martial, Morata
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 box. A fluid formation that allows us to be very strong offensively whilst being rigid and structured at the back.
3 CB's who are comfortable playing out from the back and quick on their feet, keep it simple but ensure we're in control of possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
As we advance, 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.
Payet in the hole, run at their backline and create space for others. Look to stretch the play with first-time passes into the flanks and support for Lewandowski when he is holding up the play searching for runners.
Emphasis will be on controlling the midfield, 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 a tight press and playing our attackers in early when the opposition are off their defensive organisation or simply retaining possesion and building attacks.
Deep defensive line looking to minimize the threat they pose with the pace of their attackers. Khedira sits in as cover and is the link between defence and attack, 3 CB's at the back with support from WG-backs.
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 our attackers 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. Lewandowski and Payet will initially press from the front, ensuring there is no easy pass on going forwards. A diamond in mf with Khedira 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 or past the halfway line, 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, Payet 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 strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially, press front the front.
Subs:
65th minute - If winning - (3-5-2 )
Fernandinho > Matuidi
Morata > Payet
Fernandinho fresh legs in mf, Morata joins Lewandowski in attack as we look to catch our opponents on the break.
70th minute – if draw - (3-4-3)
D Costa > Matuidi
Fernandinho > Khedira
Coman > Payet
Rigid in defence, injection of pace with Costa and Coman on looking to get at tired legs.
70th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Morata > Payet
D Costa > Laporte
Martial > Matuidi
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct. Morata partners Lewa, Costa and Martial as wingers with support from FB's.
C – Neuer
FK’s – Payet (If off - Gundogan)
Corners – Payet (If off - Gundogan)
Pens - Lewandowski
-----------------------Leno--------------------
---Juanfran--Sokratis---Umtiti---Bernat---
---------------Dembele---Verratti------------
----Candreva-------Banega--------Gaitan----
-----------------------Cavani--------------------
Subs: Hassan, Mussachio, Meunier, Camacho, Milner, Navas, Mandzukic.
Home game against our relegation rivals we have to take the initiative and go for the win regardless. Playing expressive football with fluidity and flair to break them down.
Defensively we have to be sound, we have full backs that are capable of getting up and down the pitch well to support and defend and the base of our midfield needs a lot of energy to press the ball well. As we aren't playing with a natural defensive midfielder, our back 4 must be rigid because all of our midfielders will look to hunt the ball down in packs, so our defence needs to be organised, squeeze up when possible to leave minimal space between the lines of the midfield and the defence. But our back 4 must stay tight, rigid and our full backs can't go forward until we win the ball back. Our midfield and attackers will press the ball when they have possession so we can win it back.
Going forward, we will look to keep possession for long spells, but looking to penetrate the defence when possible with clever interchanges and movement in behind the defence. We build our attacks from the back with our 2 CB's, Verratti and Dembele looking to get on the ball in deep areas of the pitch so we can build our attacks up. Our full backs will push on and support our wingers and really look to double up on the flanks where possible so we can put crosses into the box. Banega will float in and out of the game, we want our central midfield 3 to interchange so they become hard to pick up. Dembele has the capabilities with good footwork and power to drive from deep in midfield, so then Banega must be supportive and play with him and Verratti and link the play and work off Cavani. He needs to look to get the ball in behind the defence when possible, but if not, hold possession I good areas to keep them under pressure. Our wingers will hug the touchlines to stretch the play. Candreva will look to use Juanfran as well to get up the sides and deliver crosses. Gaitan on the left side will look to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. This is so he can get a better angle for the cross when we can but so Bernat can overlap down the flanks and really force their right winger in this case to track well and drag him into a very deep, defensive areas where he doesn't want to be. Cavani's movement is crucial up top. As we look to feed balls in behind, he needs to be peeling off the shoulders of the defenders to create angles for the passes and he needs to look to beat the last line of defence to get into 1v1 opportunities with their keeper. From crosses, he needs to be touch tight to the defender so he can make runs across him to get to the ball first and he needs to look to find the yard of space in the box where possible.
In the result of a red card, we will look to change our system to a more defensive system no matter who comes off and look to be rigid and solid and then hit on the counter attack where possible. These are the changes if a red card happens:
If GK: Hassan > Banega
If FB: Meunier/Milner > Banega (Meunier RB, Milner LB)
If CB: Mussachio > Banega
If CM: Banega drops into CM alongside who it is.
If WG: Navas > Banega (Play either side)
If AM: Stick to a 4-4-1 formation
If ST: Mandzukic > Banega
Subs:
Navas > Candreva - Extra pace out on the right to run at tired full backs. Occasional swap wings with Gaitan.
Camacho > Dembele - Extra steel and a ball winner in midfield where needed and to distribute the ball well.
Man Ufarted v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injured: Williams, Chambers, Moses, Howedes
Suspended: Schurrle
Ter Stegen
Vrsaljko - Bartra - Cahill - Monreal
Cazorla - Gustavo - Schneiderlin
Bernardeschi - Lukaku - Keita Balde
Subs: Begovic, De Marcos, Galloway, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Deulofeu, Rooney
Red card (Change to a flat 4-4-1)
If Ter Stegen, Cazorla off, Begovic on.
If Vrsaljko, Cazorla off, De Marcos on.
If Bartra/Cahill/Monreal, Cazorla off, Galloway on.
If Schneiderlin/Gustavo, Cazorla off, Schweinsteiger on.
If Cazorla, no change.
If Bernardeschi/Keita Balde, Cazorla off, Deulofeu on.
If Lukaku, Cazorla off, Rooney on.
-----------------
Very tough game today against Man U, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Man U have got a side much better than their league position suggests. Going with a 4-3-3/4-5-1 today to absorb pressure and hit Man U on the break with pace and power in abundance. Ter Stegen in goal, Vrsaljko, Bartra, Cahill and Monreal in defence, Cazorla, Gustavo and Schneiderlin in midfield, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde on the wings with Lukaku down the middle.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Man U have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Cazorla, Gustavo and Schneiderlin, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Keita Balde at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Man U defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Ter Stegen - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Bartra/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Bartra to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Gustavo to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Man U wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi and Keita Balde as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo - Schneiderlin playing the box to box role, assist Gustavo in dealing with the Man U attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Gustavo stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schneiderlin to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others. Cazorla playing as the playmaker but also forming a midfield three with Gustavo and Schneiderlin to flood the midfield and stop Man U being able to dictate proceedings.
Bernardeschi/Keita Balde - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Man U fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Man U centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Link with Bernardeschi and Keita Balde.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning or drawing: Lukaku off, Rooney on. Same system, Rooney with fresh legs and a fresh mind, hold up the ball and kill the tempo of Man U.
If losing: Gustavo and Schneiderlin off, Rooney and Mata on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, same back four, Cazorla the midfield playmaker, Bernardeschi, Mata and Keita Balde behind a front two of Rooney and Lukaku. Push for goals.
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Slight change from our normal formation, two strong defensive players in front of the back four offering more protection against their attacking players. With 3 attacking mids, looking to get them in space between the Arsenal defence and midfield. Expose the space they leave here normally without a dm and open them up.
The formation will allow us to counter attack Arsenal, using our pace to expose the space they have left when attacking.
A fluid attacking trio, that have freedom to double up on a wing or go central to find space, double up on Arsenal’s defenders. Attack down the wings, one fb attacking, with James linking with the fb and wgs.
Attacking movement in the final third is key. Either a fb or the winger run inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling defenders out of position.
When we don’t have the ball, we defend in a compact 4-5-1 formation. When we lose the ball, Costa puts pressure on their players high up, not letting them start a counter quickly.
------------- Handanovic
Danilo - Ramos – Otamendi - Kurzawa
--------- A.Vidal - Nzonzi
L.Sane ------- James.R ------ Hazard
--------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, R Javi.M, Can, Kroos, Brozovic, Correa
We play with a very high tempo when we have possession, the AM trio always looking for space, pull their players out of position. We’ll also play with a high tempo when defending our half. Bar the initial quick high press to stop the counter, we let them have the ball in their own half, saving our energy and getting into a solid defensive structure.
Key to our attack is quick, dynamic interchangeable passing.
Defending in numbers
Again we look to control the opposition pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to.
As they progress forward we get almost everyone behind the ball quickly. Stop them breaking.
In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw Arsenal into positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.
As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Nzonzi pressing the space in front of our cbs, with James dropping deep. The wingers will come back if they have to track their fb, if not stay forward.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Nzonzi will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across and stop Arsenal. Leaving them no options, and no space to play.
Narrowing the play to the side Arsenal are attacking, crowd them out and push them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over. Get a high number of bodies behind them.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wingers, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Javi and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.
Attack.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. Nzonzi and Vidal seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Looking to set us on a counter attack where possible. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.
One of the fbs bombs forward offering an option, looking to link with the winger ahead of him. Get us playing up and down the wings. Using our pace here to drag players away, creating space for our wingers and James in the middle.
James will always be looking for space in between their defence and midfield. He has freedom to shoot from range, and has the ability to split their defence or play inch perfect crosses into the box for Costa from deep and from wide.
In the opposition half, Vidal will always stay just behind the play, offering the option to go back, and start the attack again, and switch the play if needed. Looking to be on the edge of the box for any loose balls that may come his way, in a position where he can steal in and get a shot on goal. Also offering cover and a quick press to the win ball back if we lose it, if we don’t win it back we at least stop a quick counter.
The midfield should never be flat. We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Pull their players out of their formation to create space for our other attackers to get in and exploit.
Costa plays his natural game up top.
Subs. If winning after 65 mins bring on Kroos for James. Keep up pressure.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Brozovic for Vidal.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Correa for James. 4-2-2-2. Correa super sub offering pace off Costa the target man.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Kroos for Vidal. More creativity.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Correa and Javi.M for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Javi to cb. Correa to striker.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Kroos for Nzonzi.
--------------------Forster-------------------
Cedric-----M.Keane---van Dijk-----Blind
---------------Matic------Kante-------------
Willian------------Gotze-------------Turan
------------------Lacazette------------------
Pickford, Kolarov, Oscar, Haddadi, Mahrez, Dembele, Lemina
Forster behind the back four which is a solid defensive unit, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early
Keane takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Keane takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and frre kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.
Cedric and Blind are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so Turan and Willian can cut in if they wish and support Lacazette. Put in crosses for him to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of. In this game we are obviously going to be up against top class players so our fullbacks must time there runs forward and not just do it for the sake of it. We MUST hold a strong line at the back to stop them breaking through and in on Forster.
We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Kante and Matic do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times.Kante more than Matic will be making these runs. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our wingers/Gotze. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Kante doesn't let anything go and will be at their players at all times, he has endless energy and wont give up, so as Matic takes care of the AM Kante will be at the heals of every one else in possession in the middle of the park.
Turan and Willian will play with freedom to attack and support Gotze and Lacazette,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross, we may seem like it is all about attack with the fullbacks attacking but when they attack Turan and Willian will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed and support Cedric and Blind. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them. Both Willian and Turan are also very good in front of goal so if an opportunity arises then they have freedom to go for goal.
Gotze will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime and he has bursts of energy that sees him passed players. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he also has the freedom to do so.
Our attacking midfielders must take there opportunities when they come, as we expect Newcastle to have most of the possession it is imperitive we make it count we we have the ball.
Lacazette is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Gotze who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Willian and Turan also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use, we have to go 110% for 90 minutes and show we are not just here to make up the numbers!
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Lacazette
Free Kicks - Gotze
Corners - Gotze
Substitutes
If we are losing then on 70 Minutes, Blind will go into a 3 man central defence. Kolarov will come on for Cedric and go to LM allowing Turan to move in more centrally in a 3-4-3 which sees Gotze to the right of Lacazette and Turan to the left of him.
On 80 minutes we have to go for it so, Haddadi for Turan and Dembele for Matic, Gotze into central midfield and still a front 3
If we are winning on 75 minutes Kolarov for Turan and on 80 Minutes Lemina for Gotze ths will really shut up shop, Dembele will come on for Lacazette also on 80 minutes
If we are drawing then Mahrez for Willian on 60 minutes, Oscar for for Gotze on 70 minutes and Kolarov for Blind on 75 minutes
if this goes to ET then revert back to 4231 best can with players available
Penalties
Lacazette
Dembele
Willian
Turan
Gotze
Kolarov
Mahrez
van Dijk
Haddadi
Portsmouth v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injured: Ter Stegen, Telles, Danilo, Rooney
Begovic
Vrsaljko - Howedes - Cahill - Monreal
Cazorla - Schweinsteiger
Bernardeschi - Mata - Schurrle
Lukaku
Subs: Semper, Bartra, Gustavo, Schneiderlin, Lanzini, Keita Balde, Long
-----------------
Very tough game today against Portsmouth, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Portsmouth are a very good side and we want to make sure we advance in this cup. Begovic in goal, Vrsaljko, Howedes, Cahill and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield, Bernardeschi, Mata and Schurrle behind Lukaku upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Portsmouth have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Cazorla and Schweinsteiger, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Schurrle at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Portsmouth defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Begovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Howedes/Cahill - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Cahill to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Schweinsteiger to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Portsmouth wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi/Schurrle as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schweinsteiger - Cazorla playing the box to box role, assist Schweinsteiger in dealing with the Portsmouth attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Schweinsteiger stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schweinsteiger to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Bernardeschi/Schurrle - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Portsmouth fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Portsmouth defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Bernardeschi/Schurrle/Lukaku. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Portsmouth defenders to foul you when you're attacking as we can be lethal from setpieces. Link with Lukaku regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lukaku on occasion.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Portsmouth centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Bernardeschi and Schurrle on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata, Schurrle and Lukaku off, Schneiderlin, Keita Balde and Long on. Schneiderlin alongside Schweinsteiger and Cazorla in a midfield trio, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde to RM and LM in a 4-5-1. Long upfront with pace and fresh legs. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Schurrle and Bernardeschi off, Keita Balde and Long on. Long replaces Bernardeschi at RW, Balde replaces Schurrle at LW. Same system with pace and fresh legs out wide to get at the Portsmouth defence.
If losing: Vrsaljko, Schweinsteiger and Schurrle off, Lanzini, Keita Balde and Long on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Cahill and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Mata - Lanzini - Keita Balde behind a front two of Long and Lukaku. Push for goals.
vs Aston Villa
————————Bravo
——Azpilicueta—Luiz—Koulibaly
Moses——Jorginho——Koke——Marcelo
—————Rakitic————Carrasco
———————Aubameyang
Subs: Scuffet, Alderweireld, Bellerin, Danilo, Cuadrado, Williams, Hernandez
Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: David Luiz/Ivan Rakitic
Corners: Koke/Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang
Cup quarter final against Ludy’s boys and once again he’s probably confusing his lot, one minute telling them they have no chance of fighting for titles, the next trying to big them up like theyre the next Cherno Samba, but i digress. The problem for Ludy this week is we have the form on our side as well as Victor Moses, the worlds best player right now. His team are full of tiny creative players that all want to play between the lines, unfortunately for him we won’t give them this chance, crowd the middle out to great effect with a compact unit, put high pressure on them, especially their deeper midfielders who will look to dictate, using the energy of Rakitic and the CMs to get on top their midfielders and use the pace and trickery we have up front and out wide to hit them on counter attacks whenever we win possession.
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, Rakitic with more responsibility so Carrasco 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 Villa defence, looking to transition quickly to 3 v 3’s, catching Villa’s FBs out upfield. As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Koke and Jorginho looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Villa’s attacks down, squeezing the space the man on the ball wants to use, which will allow the energetic WBs and the two wide CBs, as well as Rakitic 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/Koulibaly able to step out of the back line and use their excellent aggressive form of defending to break down attacks before they can get into our third, knowing that we will always have Luiz’s power and pace behind them 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 Luiz as a sweeper to deal with the central strikers movement in behind, looking to bully him out of the game, always putting his body in the way. With this system of defending in mind when Villa have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going into the wide areas, stretching them out and getting their wide men in positions where we know they’ll just look to cut inside, making it easy to set up and block this option, then attack the space their FBs leave.
When Villa 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 striker and the WB on the opposite side to tuck in so we always have that spare defender, although he will be focused on the winger on his side looking to make inside runs. In these positions we can simply make things too compact to break through, Jorginho 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 Villa 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 Rakitic will drop in closer to the CMs and we will simply shut up shop and wait for the ball back.
Like previously said the team 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. Azpilicueta and Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Jorginho 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. Jorginho and Koke look to control this game, pressing the opposition midfield into submission, winning the ball back or receiving it from the defenders then using their great range of passing to transition us on the attack, with Koke able to get forward and link up around the edge of the box. 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, looking to get the ball wide and then look to come infield with their trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, or stretch the game right out by running for the byline, we have the beating of their FBs, open the space up and get the ball in the box. That then leaves the front three, with Rakitic looking to get the ball from the midfield and create the chances, he knows how to find space and he knows how to pick passes, he can link up quickly to open them up, leaving Carrasco and Aubameyang the freedom to hurt Villa’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 Carrasco or Aubameyang receives the ball in this gap they are away. All 3 of the forwards are comfortable out wide, they’re 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: Bellerin for Victor Moses 70’, more defensive minded player but still with the same pace to attack. Cuadrado and Danilo for Rakitic and Koke 80’, extra solidity, extra pace to hurt them.
If Drawing: Cuadrado for Jorginho 70’, Rakitic into CM, Cuadrado can use his pace and trickery in wider areas to stretch out the defence. Hernandez and Williams for Carrasco and Aubameyang 80’, fresh legs up front to try something different.
If Losing: Hernandez for Jorginho 65’, 4-4-2 with Rakitic dropping into CM, Azpi RB. Cuadrado and Williams for Azpilicueta and Moses 75’, more offensively dangerous front line, attack the FBs as much as possible and get balls into the box.
Leicester vs ARSENAL league cup
injuries: Gaya, Garay, Berardi, Ronaldo
……………………………..Buffon………………………………..
………………Dier…….Chiellini…...Romagnoli………..
…………………….Wanyama……..Marchisio…………..
Felipe……………………Fabregas…………………..Oxlade
………………...Batshuyai…………El Shaarway..
Subs: Butland, Rugani, De Vrij, Herrera, Valero, Kenedy, Bacca
Sticking (kind of) to our 3-5-2 roots, we’re at Fratton park for the 3rd time in four matches so it’s pretty much a home game for us. Leicester are running away with the league title this season, hands down the best team and we’re coming into the game minus our only world class player. In light of this Tino Bambino knowing there’s no point of a draw as we don’t have replays has decided to go for the win at all costs.
We change our way of playing today as we employ a heavy press but also a “half press” – we lead the heavy press from the front – which is why as good a finisher as he is Bacca is benched in favour of the harder working El Egypt and Batman…. We press the defence through the middle – this is then followed up by our 3 AM’s half pressing the spaces in the middle so they will block any passing routes from the defence into Leicester’s midfield 3…..we’re happy for the ball to go back or wide – hence the semi press…they won’t hurt us from the width. As they move wide we also go across pressing the spaces but allowing them possession in wide areas. It’s a risky plan but the pay-off is that we then get numerical overloads in other areas of the pitch.
Leicester will be going one up top – we keep Chiellini back to keep him covered this then allows Dier and Roma to shuffle wide to cover Leicester’s wingers (Felipe and Oxlade will stay up)
It’s not going to be pretty football I’m afraid today but it will be pragmatic long ball hitting Leicester quickly on the break – Wanyama and Marchisio will both “sit” meaning that centrally Leicester will have to find a way through 5 men and somehow then past Buffon.
When we pinch the ball, we move it forwards quickly and with purpose, Leicester will be most vulnerable in the first few seconds of us having the ball….it’s a bit smash and grab but needs must.
Felipe and Oxlade will both stay up top and wide – when our back 3 we want to be pinging those diagonal balls out to them rapidly so we can bypass the midfield and catch Rof’s boys as they’re retreating
The pace and direct running of Batman and El Egpyt is crucial today for us to play on the counter – as they both stay up top plus our 2 wingers – we will have good numbers in Leicesters half at all times, the 4 will stay in close contact, always leaving an easy pass on for each other. Whilst forcing ROF’s FB’s to stay back……the advantage of this is that we can then isolate ROF’s wingers into 1v1 battles
Bloody tough game this but it serves Tino right for his monumental feck up vs Pompey
Subs: 65 mins
Herrera > Wanyama
Bacca > El Egypt
Pens (if required)
Bacca
Batman
Marchisio
Cesc
Felipe
Herrera
Oxlade
Dier
Chiellini
Roma
Gigi
--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Matip-----Tah-----Wendell
----------------Casemiro
----------Tolisso--------Pjanic
Mane----------------------------Lemar
-------------------Kane
Subs
Patricio, Rudiger, Bertrand, Denis, Ramsey, Dembele, 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.
Matip 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 Kane 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and 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 Lemar flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro 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. Tolisso 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Kane is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Dembele for Mane - 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 - Denis for Lemar and Ramsey for Tolisso - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Denis and Wendell for Tolisso and Bertrand - Verratti drops deeper. Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
70 Mins - Sturridge, Rudiger and Denis for Bertrand, Henderson 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.
whoops, forgot to add penalty takers, so depending on if they are on the ptich
Pjanic
Lemar
Kane
Mane
Sturridge
Tolisso
Dembele
Denis
Matip
Wendell
Bertrand
and the losing sub should have casemiro there instead of henderson
ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 8. Coutinho ————— 11. Reus
————————————— 9. Higuain
SUBS: 31. Begovic, Bruma, 16. De Rossi, 25. Strootman, 23. Eriksen, 42. Yaya Toure, 21. Gameiro
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Marco Reus
Crossing free-kicks: Marco Reus
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 creativity with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield. 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 Xhaka and Coquelin will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Xhaka and Coquelin 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. Coutinho 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 Xhaka and Coquelin 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, Coutinho is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Robben 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 Reus 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, Robben and Coutinho to create and take chances.
SUBS:
If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Coutinho. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.
If d rawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Yaya for Coquelin. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Yaya and Coutinho will dominate from behind Higuain as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Reus goes to the left.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for Coutinho. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Yaya in the middle and Robben on the right Reus on the left. Gameiro and Higgers up front.
---------------------- De Gea --------------------
P.Lahm --- Boateng ----- Bonucci --- Ricardo
------ L.Modric --- Busquets -- Paredes ------
Sanchez ------------ A.Silva ---------- Neymar
Dragowski, A.Conti, Stones, Kessie, Alli, Gabriel, Aguero
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 again at CB, 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 Paredes, 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/Paredes will drive forward leaving Busquets to sit in and depending on which fullback is attacking Modric/Paredes will cover for the marauding fullbacks who will drive on into support the front three especially Paredes as Ricardo will be doing more attacking than Lahm, 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 Silva 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 Silva. 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.
Andre Silva will get plenty chances, he must put away this side who will be solid at the back.,he is able to keep possession, to help in the build-up, to maintain a constant high-pressing reaction to the ball loss and construct and distribute goal opportunities to his teammates so he gets 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. Silva is very good in the air, his jumping reach is extraordinary and the percentage of successful headers is very high so he has no fear facing a tall CB he has 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/Paredes/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 - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
60 Minutes - Aguero for Silva, he will have the energy to hit the defenders once Silva has tired them out
Winning -
70 Minutes - Kessie for Paredes, he brings a dynamic energy to our midfield to help in the defensive areas v any new midfielders the bring on
80 Minutes - Andrea Conti for Neymar, he goes to RM and Sanchez to LM these two both have defensive attributes which will help close down the midfield and see the game out
Losing -
70 Minutes - Gabriel Jesus on for Paredes - go 442 with Gabriel up top with Aguero
80 Minutes - Neymar up top, Ricardo to LM 343
Drawing -
70 Minutes - Dele Alli for Paredes he goes to a No.10 role
80 Minutes - Andrea Conti for Lahm, I want him to attack the right flank as well as concentrating on his defensive duties
--------------------- J.Hart --------------------
Cancelo ---- Bartra ---- Zouma ---- Hector
----------- Carvalho ----- A.Gomes ----------
Walcott -------- Calhanoglu -------- Perotti
-------------------- C.Austin -------------------
Lodygin, Ginter, Brozovic, Volland, Cornet, Kelechi, C.Wilson
In goal Joe Hart, 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.
Bartra in beside Zouma, on this occassion Bartra will man mark the CF, he is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Zouma alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.
Cancelo and Hector at fullback, both experienced and this will be vital against two top wingers we must keep them quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of attacks. They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up. Cancelo especially is fantastic at this.
We go with a midfield trio of Gomes,, Calhanoglu and Carvalho. Carvalho the most defensive out the three so he sits in, but they work very hard to gether as a trio shutting the opposition down, so really if they stay in position whilst they attack it will be a hard task for them to break down. Carvalho sits in allowing the other two to attack, Calhanoglu being the furthest forward as Gomes looks to dictate the passage of play from a deeper position and allow the 4 in front to go for goal, they are all good passers and have great vision and technique, they pick up from the back four always keep there heads up and look around before they get the ball, so if they are under pressure they know exactly where to play the quick pass. If they are under pressure from an opponent, shield the ball and pass back to defenders to start again. A very energetic trio and they all get right into the opposition players faces, not nasty players but strong in the tackle and dont give away much. Calhanoglu I want to support Austin as much as possible and look to play neat triangles between the wingers to set them free.
Walcott and Perotti are both aggressive attack minded wingers, I want them to have a real go today, drive down the wings using pace and skill to get them beyond the fullbacks. They both have tricks in the locker and will use them as they look to get Austin, Calhanoglu and each other in on goal. Walcott will look to bomb down the line with the support of Cancleo and look to fire in crosses whereas Perotti will look to use his skill to cut inside and harrass the defence with Calhanglu, When defending then get back and stop the winngers becoming an attacking threat.
Austin up top, he is in fine form, certainly knows where the back of the net is, a predator, a natural finisher will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. 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. Austin is good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Walcott, Calhanglu and Perotti.
Captain - Jonas Hector
Penalties - Austin/CF
Free kicks - Calhanoglu
Corners - Calhanoglu
Subs
Losing
65 Mins - Cornet for Perotti, fresh young legs to go the RB
75 Mins - Kelechi for Austin
82 Mins - Callum Wilson for Walcott, Cancelo to RM and Wilson up front with Kelechi 3412
Drawing -
70 Mins - Kelechi and Cornet for Austin and Perotti straight swaps, fresh energy
80 Mins - Brozovic for Gomes
Winning -
70 Mins - Brozivic for Perotti, Calhanoglu to LM and Brozovic to CM to shore it up, if need be Gomes can move into an attacking position (if need be!)
80 Mins - Kelechi for Austin
85 Mins - Ginter for Walcott, Cancleo to Rm and Ginter to RB
ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 42. Yaya ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 11. Reus
SUBS: 31. Chesney, 19. Aurier, 16. De Rossi, 25. Strootman, 23. Eriksen, 28. Rabiot, 21. Gameiro
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Marco Reus
Crossing free-kicks: Marco Reus
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 Yaya coming into the side bringing his physicality with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield, against Leicester we need to keep the little amount of the ball we've got and Yaya doesn't get pushed off the ball easily and carry it forwards. 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 Xhaka and Coquelin will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Xhaka and Coquelin 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. Yaya 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 Xhaka and Coquelin 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, Yaya is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Robben and Coutinho 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 Reus 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.
Reus 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 Yaya, Robben and Coutinho to create and take chances.
SUBS:
If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Yaya. 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. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Yaya and Eriksen will dominate from behind Reus as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Coutinho to the left.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for Yaya. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Eriksen in the middle and Robben on the right Coutinho on the left. Gameiro and Reus up front.
Red card take off yaya
Chesney for oblak
Aurier if defender
De Rossi for deep midfielder
Eriksen for wingers
Gameiro for Reus
--------------------Forster-------------------
Cedric-----M.Keane---van Dijk-----Blind
---------------Matic------Kante-------------
Willian------------Gotze-------------Turan
------------------Lacazette------------------
Pickford, Kolarov, Oscar, Haddadi, Mahrez, Dembele, Lemina
Forster behind the back four which is a solid defensive unit, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early
Keane takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Keane takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and frre kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.
Cedric and Blind are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so Turan and Willian can cut in if they wish and support Lacazette. Put in crosses for him to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of. In this game we are obviously going to be up against top class players so our fullbacks must time there runs forward and not just do it for the sake of it. We MUST hold a strong line at the back to stop them breaking through and in on Forster.
We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Kante and Matic do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times.Kante more than Matic will be making these runs. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our wingers/Gotze. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Kante doesn't let anything go and will be at their players at all times, he has endless energy and wont give up, so as Matic takes care of the AM Kante will be at the heals of every one else in possession in the middle of the park.
Turan and Willian will play with freedom to attack and support Gotze and Lacazette,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross, we may seem like it is all about attack with the fullbacks attacking but when they attack Turan and Willian will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed and support Cedric and Blind. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them. Both Willian and Turan are also very good in front of goal so if an opportunity arises then they have freedom to go for goal.
Gotze will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime and he has bursts of energy that sees him passed players. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he also has the freedom to do so..
Lacazette is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Gotze who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Willian and Turan also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use, we have to go 110% for 90 minutes and show we are not just here to make up the numbers!
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Lacazette
Free Kicks - Gotze
Corners - Gotze
Substitutes
If we a re Winning - Kolarov will come on for Turan on 70 minutes and Dembele for Lacazette the same time
On 80 minutes Lemina will come on for Gotze
If we are Losing Dembele will comeon for Gotze on 70 minutes and we go 442 with Mahrez on for Willian at the same time
Oscar on for Matic on 80
If we are drawing Oscar for Gotze and Mahrez for Willian on 70 Minutes and Dembele for Lacaztte on 75
Wimmer, Keïta, Torres, Mor
Captain: Geis
Penalties: Werner (Driussi)
Free Kicks: Geis
-----------------------Horn
Weiser-------Stark----------Süle------Henrichs
--------------Geis-----------Dahoud
Bailey---------------Schöpf-------------Gnabry
----------------------Werner
Subs: Karius, Klostermann, Biglia, Kampl, Asensio, Forsberg, Driussi
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 Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis and Dahoud we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Geis can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Johannes Geis.
A holding midfielder through and through, Geis is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Geis such a talent.
Geis is also our dead ball specialist, so do watch out for his renowned pin-point accuracy.
The attacking unit consists of Leon Bailey, Alessandro Schöpf and Serge Gnabry 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 Geis or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Weiser and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Geis and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Leon Bailey 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 Bailey, Gnabry or Werner in via fast passing combinations.
Very much like his comrades (Bailey, Schöpf & Gnabry), 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 70 Mins: Kampl on for Dahoud
Kampl has a massive engine on him and will bring a fresh intensity in terms of his pressing game. The midfield is where this game may be won or lost, and we do not intend on losing this battle.
Sub 80 Mins: Driussi on for Werner
Driussi is an all-round centre forward, and with 10 minutes left to go he’s our man to go to for a late goal that could make all of the difference to our result.
Wolves vs ARSENAL
Injuries: Gaya, Garay, Berardi,Barzagli
……………………………………Buffon……………………………….
Hysaj………………De Vrij…………..Chiellini…………….De Sciglio
…………………………………….Wanyama…………………………………
……………………Marchisio………………Fabregas……………………..
…………………………………….Rodriguez…………………………………….
………………………..Higuain……………….Niang…………………………
Subs: Butland, Rugani, Romagnoli, Herrera, Valero, El Shaarawy, Batshuayi
Slight change of plan today after a busy few day in the transfer market…Tino Bambino takes his Arsenal team back to his first love and pride of the black country, Wolves
Tiki-Talia in its purest form as we want to go there control the centre of the pitch and dominate possession – this system helped Milan dominate in Italy and in Europe and that’s how we go now.
Marky has worked hard on improving the fortunes of Wolves but to a man we’re the stronger side so we have to go for it now, build on a good win vs Pompey and get back into the hunt for European football.
Defensively we defend from the front because there’s such a focus on our spine the heavy press in terms of man to man won’t really work so we’re “marking” the spaces today in 2 phases, our front two will push hard and fast on the Wolves defenders with James then moving forward and cutting out the short simple passes into Wolves DM’s this does leave a ball out wide but that’s ok….or it forces it long which is our preference.
IF it goes wides then our front 3 again shuffle over cutting off the spaces not always the man……Because we have the luxury of Wanyama sitting this means Hysaj and De sciglio can push higher up the pitch to mark Wolves wingers – eventually we’ll get a numerical overload/advantage and force the error….
When we have the ball the diamond will stay close, we’re not going long today – we aim to move the opposition around with the ball, making them chase shadows – In and around the Wolves box we want some slick one touch passes and little one-twos to try and create the space.
If Wolves do come at us pressing hard then the diamond is perfect really as there should always be an “out-ball” no need to panic and go long (unless on a quick counter) There is nothing wrong with going backwards and building again – Both Full-backs are good on the ball so the cross-field pass is also a viable option.
Individual adhoc instructions:
Buffon – just play the game that has led to many saying you’re the greatest of all time – a fantastic shot stopper that exudes confidence in his team-mates
Hysaj/De Sciglio – tasked with giving us the width and balance today, both have great engines and are full of running – they’ll need it today as they’re up and down all afternoon…defensively just show the man the line, don’t dive in just apply pressure and make him make a choice with what he’ll do with the ball.
Chiellini – If as expected Wolves go one up top then he’s the shadow – simple as that really
De Vrij – will be the spare man help out with either full-back if they’re getting over-run, has to trust Wanyama to deal with the threat from midfield.
Wanyama – Every successful side needs a bit of brute force, and he’s ours – better on the ball than he’s given credit for but will just keep it simple, Don’t need him to be a Pirlo our Gattuso is what’s required of him
Marchisio and Fabregas – Marchisio is our box-to-box man today, goes about his job quietly but he’s missed when not available, will look to carry the fight in midfield, Cesc may not be so mobile any more but with Marchisio’s legs and Wanyama’s muscle, he can sit happily in midfield dictating the tempo, has all the skills needed to run the midfield.
James – the archetypal #10 – he really is perfect in this role – a nice heads up player with quick feet, will link our midfield and attack seamlessly in my opinion.
Higuain/Niang – have the makings of a tidy partnership – Higgy not a great allrounder and can seem lazy and disinterested that said in the box he’s a power-player..not many better finishers in the modern game than El Pipita…Niang is his polar opposite – not the best finisher but rapid turn of pace and full of running – will look to take a defender away with his clever running, creating more space for James to find Higgy Stardust.
Subs:
65 mins
Herrera > Fabregas
El Egypt > Niang
Rugani > De Vrij
Cesc has left me so where you see his name its now David Silva
--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe-----Godin-----Bertrand
--------Krychowiak------Pjanic
Mane--------------Ozil------------Di Maria
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Matip, Wendell, Nainggolan, Dembele, Lemar, Kane
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.
Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with Ozil 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 behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.
When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.
Set Pieces
Corners - Ozil takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Mane and Di Maria 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. Pjanic takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Radja for Ozil - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
81 + 85 Mins - Dembele for Mane and Lemar for Di Maria - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Radja for Krychowiak - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
70 Mins - Kane, Matip and Radja for Bertrand, Krychowiak and Juanfran - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.
-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Lichtsteiner-----------Manolas--------Verthonghen-----------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------Hamsik----------Goretzka------------------------------------
Shaqiri--------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Rashford-----------------
Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Sissoko, Young, Mario, Florenzi, Fekir
CAPTAIN - CECH
CK'S - NOLITO
FK'S - SHAQIRI
PENALTIES - VARDY
Playing welshy this week. Goretzka will be well up for it against the manager who brought him into the league, but alas sold him and broke the wonderful father/son relationship they once had
This 4222 formation is solid in defence but also very attacking with 2 strikers up front and 2 wingers.
Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced. Manolas 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
Hamsik + Goretzka
Hamsik and Goretzka will play a b2b role. When Hamsik attacks, Goretzka stays back to defend and vice versa. 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 Goretzka 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 + Rashfordinho
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.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Fekir for Rashford. Also bring on Young for Nolito and Mario for Goretzka. Play a high line and try and get a goal.
Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Vardy and put on Shawcross in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Sissoko for Shaqiri aswell. aswell.
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Rashford off for Fekir
Goretzka off for Sissoko
Nolito off for Young
—————————Bravo
Azpilicueta--Alderweireld--Koulibaly--Marcelo
——————————D.Luiz
——————Rakitic—————Koke
Williams————Aubameyang————Carrasco
Subs: Scuffet, Bellerin, Jorginho, Danilo, Cuadrado, V.Moses, Hernandez
Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: Ivan Rakitic/David Luiz
Corners: Koke/Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Slight change in formation this week to bring David Luiz out of the defence and drop the WBs to FBs in order to counter the Newcastle front 4, in particular using Luiz to man mark Ozil and keep him out of the game. We adopt a more deep lying defensive block in order to both reduce the space in behind our back line to limit the threat of Mane, then to allow us to be much more compacted and tightly grouped in order to make it difficult for their attackers play the ball around. Up front we change to a stretched out front 3 with a lot of flair on the flanks and pace all the way across, play on the counter attack against some pretty slow defenders, if we can get 3 for 3’s and stretch the three across our movement and pace running off the shoulder should see us get some goals.
Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-3-3, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third, make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts from the front with the front 3, closing down their CMs in a way that stops them passing between themselves and the FBs, with the CMs in behind covering the passing routes, ready to step in and engage when their deep lying playmaker steps forward, leaving the FBs tight to the CBs, ready to engage the wide forwards when the ball goes their way. This makes sure the middle of the field is totally locked down, and the advanced wide areas too, leaving the long ball as an option, something that won’t suit their forwards they’re up against defenders that can match them in the air and for pace, any knock down that a forward does win should see our players beating theirs to the ball, ready to mop up and see us counter. Luiz looks to cover the space between the lines, in doing so focusing on Ozil, looking to be rough with him giving him the kind of game Ozil usually shies out of, knowing he has two excellent hard working midfielders ahead of him helping him in the battle. We look to always force them out of the middle and invite their FBs forward to try and break us down. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Newcastle advances, with the wide forward on that side coming across to defend against the FB, leaving us to engage two v two, whilst Auba and the midfield come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other wide man to close off the switch to his flank(also wait as the out ball with his pace to get behind) and the FB on that side tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave Newcastle squeezed onto the touchline where they are at their least threatening, up against two FBs who are quick in to their defensive duties and backed up by hard working forwards, limit them to crosses which we can deal with, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side, any attempt to find the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.
The farther forward they come when attacking the middle the tighter our formation becomes, becoming a 4-4-2 with Carrasco dropping in and leaving us with Williams and Aubameyang waiting as out balls higher up the field. We then have two narrow banks of 4, all close together making sure Newcastle can’t pass their way through us, keep them going side to side and as soon as they get bored and look to move the ball forward we will be able to step in win it back and send it into the wide areas for our two rapid strikers. FBs are always tight to the CBs when defending, like wise wide midfielders to CMs in this 4-4-2, we know Newcastle’s players want to come infield and run between defenders, we won’t give them that opportunity today, any ball the CBs don’t deal with the FBs are there to cover and vice versa. We can once more force them to try and use the wide areas where they’ll be more space and then quickly shuffle the formation across to smother them. Alderweireld and Koulibaly between them will look to deal with Suarez, get tight when needed, kick him if needed and frustrate him, if we can wind him up he’ll be more likely to focus on trying to kick us back.
Going forward we are looking to use our flair players in spaces, in particularly behind their FBs so that we can draw Godin and co out of their more comfortable central positions where they become vulnerable and where our front three have the beating of them. To give them to the ball we have two of the best box to box midfielders around, we expect Newcastle to press us high up but we believe that in Koke and Rakitic we have two players who can play out of this, either link up between them with quick passing and their forward bursts, or by using their excellent longer passing looking to get the ball out to the wingers, especially the one where the FB is pushed up which we expect to normally be Clyne, allowing us to look for Carrasco, who will also have Marcelo able to run beyond him, either inside or out to draw defenders away and get Carrasco up one v one against defenders where he’s at his most dangerous. The CMs can also look for the movement of Aubameyang and Williams if Carrasco us marked, either playing them down the flank or looking to play them in behind, with one of the two forwards coming deeper to drag a CB with him which leaves a much easier pass for Rakitic/Koke, they just have to lob into some space behind the defence and that leaves Williams/Aubameyang in a foot race one v one with the CB, especially effective if we’ve been defending as a 4-4-2, good luck to the CB. Both midfielders are equally effective in the opposition third so one can go all the way to join attacks and make it a front 4, becoming a link man and going wide or central to double up in space where we can get behind Newcastle. If the CMs aren’t getting us forward we also have Luiz who can play these passes and he is more likely to have a bit of time and space as we know Ozil won’t focus on his defensive duties for a full 90 minutes, Luiz can play a long pass as well as any player in the game and we know given the chance he will pick a forward out. We also have Alderweireld who can play these passes so we can use longer balls when pressed high if required, no taking risks by playing out from the back, we are just as effective going longer. That leaves the front 3 who has already explained are there to play in the spaces, express themselves by taking defenders on for pace and trickery, using their movement off the shoulder and linking up quickly, off the ball they will always be looking to find spaces down the sides, they know that a defence that has Godin in it can deal with anyone, no matter where the FBs are, if we let them defend through the middle, this front three won’t allow that.
Subs:
If Winning: Danilo for Luiz 70’, fresh legs in a key role. Jorginho for Koke 75’, fresh legs once again to keep up the hard work. Bellerin for Williams 5-3-2 80’.
If Drawing: Cuadrado for Williams 65’, fresh pace. Hernandez for Carrasco 75’, plays upfront with Auba coming from wide and looking to take advantage of Hernandez’s movement drawing out CBs to run in behind.
If Losing: Koulibaly off, Moses on 60’, Luiz back to CB, 3-4-3 with the WBs looking to play high up the pitch and force Newcastle back. Hernandez for Williams 70’, with them pushed back Hernandez is the perfect player to poach a goal.
4-3-3 Control
At home we go with a positive mind-set, looking to dominate possession, and press the opposition high up the park, not letting them play out. Frustrate them by keeping possession, and frustrate them when they do win the ball.
We have gone with what we think is our best team for the day with nearly everyone fit and having rested a few players midweek who inject fresh energy. Javi.M is in for Otamendi, a more intelligent defender who we feel will be better at sweeping and covering for our other defenders against their pacey forwards, and will stand up to them without diving in.
We have gone with an energetic and athletic midfield trio as we look to press high up the park, who can be first to every ball in midfield. With Villa missing their two best central midfielders, we look to stop them getting the ball to their ams. We want to isolate their ams.
Importantly we have a cm trio that are all strong on the ball. Going forward Can will tend to be the cm that stays in the dm position, however when the chances arises he bombs forward and the deepest cm covers for him, with both capable of filling in.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves. We have great athleticism throughout the side, with Costa providing energy, power and someone to play off and run in behind.
The cm midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. This will be key to our attacks, as we look to overload one side of the play. Kroos has freedom to play long balls.
The two wingers have freedom to play central in the final third. In the first two thirds we want to keep them wide, test their fbs defensively.
With great movement in our midfield, and one fb bombing forward we’ll drag their players out of position, getting our midfielders on the ball to create the chances. After Villa attacks, we will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
--------------- Handanovic
Danilo - S.Ramos – J.Martinez - Kurzawa
------- A.Vidal – Kroos – E.Can
-- A.Correa --------------------- Hazard --
---------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Rafael, Nzonzi, Otavio, Sane, Jese
Key to our attack is quick attacking play on the ball and when moving on. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our wingers/Costa quickly.
Defence
Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit high up the park. Only letting them play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Win the ball back quickly.
Everyone else forms a narrow formation, pressing the space and not allowing them options. Let their cbs have the ball, Vidal picks up the second most defensive cm, and Can picking up the am. Kroos will look to press the passing channels of the player on the ball. The winger opposite play comes deep picking up their dm. Costa covers the space in between their cbs, in position to cover balls across the back. If they get the ball to the other side, we simply switch over.
Force them to take risks. If we win the ball we’re in a great position to take advantage. Our back 4 will dominate in the air against their forwards.
As Villa advance into higher areas of the park, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers track any forward runs made by their fbs, if the fb doesn’t go forward the winger stays high up the park, giving us an option on the break. Can is the midfielder who presses the space in front of our cbs. Leaving their deepest cm free, Vidal picks up their cm, with Kroos again free to read and intercept their play, pressing the space in front of Can and their am.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Can reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across. At the back Ramos picks up their forward with Javi free to read the play. Narrowing the play to the side Villa are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their ams, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can wait for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Can and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.
Attack.
We vary our play going forward. Counter where possible. We expect to have the majority of possession, and have 3 cms that can create, with different options on each wing.
The wingers have creative freedom in the final third, with license to switch wings and come central. Always look for them in space. The attacking fb will be bombing forward offering width down the wing.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line, all comfortable in possession and have great pace, this will also be key as we look to press high up the park when we lose possession.
The cm trio spread play, setting the tempo of the game, and take turns to look for space in between the defence and midfield. They all have the ability to link with our front three and be a threat in and around their box.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Vidal,Kroos and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game.
Captain: Ramos
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Sane for Correa. Pace to stretch them.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nzonzi for Can. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 84 mins bring on Jese for Costa. Fresh pace.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Sane for Can. 4-2-3-1. Sane right. Correa left. Hazard central.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Otavio for Correa. James to cm. More attacking.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Otavio for Can.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Otamendi and Sane for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Correa and Costa up front.
If a red:
If Handanovic, bring on Schmeichel for Can. 4-4-1
If Danilo, bring on Rafael for Can. If Kurzawa, Can to left back. 4-4-1.
If a cb, bring on Otamendi for Can, 4-4-1.
If a cm, 4-4-1.
If a winger. 4-3-1-1. Winger moves behind Costa.
If Costa. Hazard and Correa up top. 4-3-2.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal
Injured: Ter Stegen, Telles, Barbosa, Rooney, Lovren
Suspended: Cahill
Begovic
Vrsaljko - Howedes - Williams - Monreal
Cazorla - Schweinsteiger
Bernardeschi - Mata - Schurrle
Lukaku
Subs: Semper, Galloway, Gustavo, Schneiderlin, Lanzini, Keita Balde, Long
-----------------
Very tough game today against Arsenal, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Arsenal are a very good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Begovic in goal, Vrsaljko, Howedes, Williams and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield, Bernardeschi, Mata and Schurrle behind Lukaku upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Arsenal have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Cazorla and Schweinsteiger, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Schurrle at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Arsenal defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Begovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Howedes/Williams - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Williams to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Schweinsteiger to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Arsenal wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi/Schurrle as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schweinsteiger - Cazorla playing the box to box role, assist Schweinsteiger in dealing with the Arsenal attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Schweinsteiger stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schweinsteiger to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Bernardeschi/Schurrle - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Arsenal fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Arsenal defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Bernardeschi/Schurrle/Lukaku. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Arsenal defenders to foul you when you're attacking as we can be lethal from setpieces. Link with Lukaku regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lukaku on occasion.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Arsenal centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Bernardeschi and Schurrle on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata, Schurrle and Lukaku off, Schneiderlin, Keita Balde and Long on. Schneiderlin alongside Schweinsteiger and Cazorla in a midfield trio, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde to RM and LM in a 4-5-1. Long upfront with pace and fresh legs. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Schurrle and Bernardeschi off, Keita Balde and Long on. Long replaces Bernardeschi at RW, Balde replaces Schurrle at LW. Same system with pace and fresh legs out wide to get at the Arsenal defence.
If losing: Vrsaljko, Schweinsteiger and Schurrle off, Lanzini, Keita Balde and Long on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Williams and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Mata - Lanzini - Keita Balde behind a front two of Long and Lukaku. Push for goals.
STOKE CITY V Portsmouth
Line Up:
Krul
Sidibe Marquinhos Koscielny Luis
Fabinho
Pedro Fabregas Mkhitaryan Ribery
Ibrahimovic
Substitutes: Jedvaj; Savic; Coentrao; Herrera; Bernardo Silva; Perisic; Bacca
Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Free Kicks: Ribery
Corners: Fabregas
Game Plan:
OFF THE BALL:
We know that Portsmouth have some dangerous pace up front and talented playmakers on the wing so we will be looking to sit a little deeper and focus on negating this aspect to their game.
We’ll be looking to play a cultured pressing game, allowing Portsmouth to move the ball around the back deep in their half if they wish but getting close to them when they approach our half of the pitch.
We will be looking to press in numbers when we do attempt to win the ball, closing down the player with the ball while also closing off passing lanes– forcing the opposition player to attempt to force his way through against numerous defenders; a difficult task in tight spaces even for the greatest of players.
In this sense, we will look to emulate the impressive system that Diego Simeone has employed to great effect with Atletico Madrid. We can’t play a full pressing system all game and expect it to be effective but by pressing in numbers in, and just beyond, our own half we can limit the amount of running individual players have to do while simultaneously closing off space and making it extremely difficult for Portsmouth to play through.
The key to succeeding defensively will be in the midfield battle. We will set up in a 433 holding when Portsmouth are attacking, with Fabinho holding and Fabregas and Fabregas looking to put themselves around in front – harassing players in the centre. With the freedom of having a holding player behind them, they will be much more adept at this role. With 3 bodies in the middle we can look to compress and prevent Portsmouth from dictating the tempo.
Our two wingers will be key in this, as well, as they will be required to track the runs of their respective full backs and prevent Portsmouth from working on the overlap and focusing their efforts on either flank. Both Pedro and Ribery are determined players with good engines which makes them perfectly suitable for completing this task.
Ibrahimovic, also, will have a key role to play in our defending. He will be looking to sit between the two centre backs. If our pressing works and Portsmouth are forced to play backwards to keep possession, Ibrahimovic will be well placed to intercept and start a counter attack. He will also be expected to drop deep and help press if Portsmouth’s midfield starts to get a hold on the game.
Our defenders will not directly be involved in the pressing game. Koscielny will be tasked with keeping a close eye on the Pompey striker, making sure that he can’t become involved in the play. Sitting deep in our half will prevent him from making full use of his pace and will be forced to drift to make something happen. Marquinhos, meanwhile will look to drop off a little bit and use his pace to make sure no one can break through and cause trouble behind our back line.
The two full backs will look to get close and personal with their opposite wingers. We don’t want them getting any space to influence the game. Stay close, stand them up and don’t allow them to link up with the rest of the team.
Krill will have to be vocal and keep his defence organised and on their toes. By playing a deep line with Marquinhos sweeping, he will not be required to rush out too much.
ON THE BALL:
We have built up a side with technically gifted defenders and we will look to dominate possession against this particular opponent – playing out from the back and keeping hold of the ball, spreading the play around the pitch and being calm in possession, as we know that we have players that can shift up through the gears in a split second to exploit an opening.
Should Portsmouth look to press high up the pitch, we will drop back and look to use our brilliant movement off the ball and short, sharp passing to play around their press – keeping the ball away from Portsmouth and allowing them to tire out and leave holes that we can exploit.
If, however, they decide to sit deep and look to squeeze the life out of the game then we will look to probe along the pitch, moving the ball from side to side while our attacking players look to move around and find a bit of space, waiting to find a chink in their armour.
Our attacking 5 is full of technically brilliant players who are good on the ball, have a good eye for a pass and can all score in equal measure. Thanks to this, we are comfortable in allowing these 4 to roam around the pitch, not playing in their original positions but looking to give and go, receiving the ball in tight spaces and moving it on, constantly creating room for their teammates and keeping Portsmouth on their toes.
In Fabregas we have an effective playmaker with a superb passing range who will be looking to tick over possession until that killer ball, either defence splitting or over the top, presents itself.
Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, will be looking to use his acceleration and great dribbling qualities to provide the link between defence and attack. When in possession, he will look to play off the shoulder of Ibrahimovic as an SS.
In order for him to play this role, Fabinho will drop just in front of the two centre backs (who in turn spread out slightly) to negate any possible counter attacks.
With this rudimentary 3 at the back, Luis and Sidibe will have the freedom to push up and help in the attack. Sidibe will not push up very far, just enough to provide an outlet to keep possession, but Luis is superb on the ball and will be looking for room to make that trademark diagonal run in to the box and pull back for the goal.
Substitutions:
75 minutes: Perisic for Ribery and Bacca for Mkhitaryan - This will inject a bit of pace and stamina in to our side. From here, we will shift in to a 4-4-2 with Perisic and Pedro working hard defensively to ensure that our midfield is not overrun. Bacca will also take part in some heavy pressing, Okazaki style, to unsettle the Portsmouth defence.
80 minutes: Bernardo Silva for Pedro - Bernardo Silva is a very good creative player with lots of skill on either foot. He is also a hard working midfielder and will help our midfield 4 not to be overrun while also providing some superb balls from out wide for our two clinical strikers to finish.
---------------------- Neuer ------------------
Carvajal ----- Varane -- Hummels ---- Guerreiro
--------------------- Khedira -----------------
------------- Gundogan -- Matuidi --------
Costa ----------- Lewandowski ------------- Moura
Subs: Navas, Alves, Laporte, Fernandinho, Payet, Coman, Martial
4-3-3, aim to dominate the mf today as we feel that is Stoke's weakest area, very possession based as we play at a high tempo looking to get the front 3 in as much as possible stretching them with our pace and movement.
Look to control the game, as we advance our passing gets quicker and more direct. We look for avenues towards the flanks to create holes, wingers switch flanks to mix it up, fb’s overlap, runners from deep and service into the box.
High line, look to press higher up the pitch, quick on our feet as we look to narrow the options of any pass going forward, intensive pressing in mf and box them in with our attackers if they look to play out from the back.
When we press, press as a unit. High energy, organisation and aggression, cut off the supply by pressing the space and only allow them to play where we want them to. Man-mark and allow little time on the ball for their more creative based players to dictate or create.
As their wingers are more orthodox and less out and out wingers with pace, we feel they will look to cut in, keep them wide and down the line and bring a MF over to double up to prevent the threat.
If they look to go more counter attacking, our CDM and Carvajal sit in more than they might. Hummels man-marks their ST, we look to get to any 2nd balls quicker than the opposition.
Neuer quick off his line and mops up at the back, one of the best at operating in a system where we press higher up so will be alert to any danger and ensure we are controlling possession through his distribution.
Playing out from the back, we should be quick to bypass their initial phase of pressing, keep it simple but 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.
Matuidi being the box to box engine his is, will be the link between mf and attack. At times maraud and use his burst of energy to get us moving forward, also very physical and getting in their faces off the ball.
I want us very direct and moving the ball at a quick pace, 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.
Wingers today will provide plenty of width, stay wide and make sure we stretch the opposition. Allow the midfielders plenty of options going forward when on the ball through their movement, target their FB’s on a constant basis and get service into the front man from the flanks.
Defensively we transition into a 4-1-4-1 if we lose possession, two banks of four with a solid structure and organisation.
If they advance into dangerous areas or generally past the halfway line, we should look to drop deeper (10 men behind the ball) and crowd them out, press the space and options in the final 3rd. Midfield and wingers look to provide barriers, these barriers need to make it as difficult as possible to breach our defence, never shy away from defensive responsibilities and work as a unit.
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.
If we win the ball in higher areas, counter attack with pace. Use the flanks as a base and don't allow them to re-organise, hit them hard on the break using our ST as a target-man.
In attack we need to create as many lines as possible in midfield to counter their press, 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 in wide areas, have a right go at their backline, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still. Our FB’s should look to overlap depending on the flank with the other staying back, get the ball in the box with pace to create panic.
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 strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially, press from the front.
Subs:
70th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Fernandinho > Khedira
Martial > Moura
Like for like, stay compact defensively and hit them on the break if they flood forward.
70th minute – if draw - (4-5-1)
Coman > Costa
Payet > Moura
Fernandinho > Khedira
5 in MF, create as many lines as possible in mf and inject flanks with pace against tiring defenders, rigid in defence
70th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Martial > Matuidi
Payet> Moura
Coman > Costa
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct, Martial partners Lewa. Coman and Payet as wingers with support from FB's.
C – Neuer
FK’s – Gundogan / near - Lewandowski
Corners – Gundogan
Pens - Lewandowski
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Tactics
Page 35 of 65
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posted on 3/12/16
------------------------- Neuer -----------------
-------- Varane ------ Hummels ----- Laporte
Alves --- Gundogan -- Khedira --- Matuidi -- Guerreiro
-------------------------- Payet ----------------------------
---------------------- Lewandowski ------------------------
Subs: Jones, Digne, Fernandinho, Costa, Coman, Martial, Morata
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 box. A fluid formation that allows us to be very strong offensively whilst being rigid and structured at the back.
3 CB's who are comfortable playing out from the back and quick on their feet, keep it simple but ensure we're in control of possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
As we advance, 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.
Payet in the hole, run at their backline and create space for others. Look to stretch the play with first-time passes into the flanks and support for Lewandowski when he is holding up the play searching for runners.
Emphasis will be on controlling the midfield, 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 a tight press and playing our attackers in early when the opposition are off their defensive organisation or simply retaining possesion and building attacks.
Deep defensive line looking to minimize the threat they pose with the pace of their attackers. Khedira sits in as cover and is the link between defence and attack, 3 CB's at the back with support from WG-backs.
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 our attackers 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. Lewandowski and Payet will initially press from the front, ensuring there is no easy pass on going forwards. A diamond in mf with Khedira 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 or past the halfway line, 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, Payet 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 strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially, press front the front.
Subs:
65th minute - If winning - (3-5-2 )
Fernandinho > Matuidi
Morata > Payet
Fernandinho fresh legs in mf, Morata joins Lewandowski in attack as we look to catch our opponents on the break.
70th minute – if draw - (3-4-3)
D Costa > Matuidi
Fernandinho > Khedira
Coman > Payet
Rigid in defence, injection of pace with Costa and Coman on looking to get at tired legs.
70th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Morata > Payet
D Costa > Laporte
Martial > Matuidi
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct. Morata partners Lewa, Costa and Martial as wingers with support from FB's.
C – Neuer
FK’s – Payet (If off - Gundogan)
Corners – Payet (If off - Gundogan)
Pens - Lewandowski
posted on 3/12/16
-----------------------Leno--------------------
---Juanfran--Sokratis---Umtiti---Bernat---
---------------Dembele---Verratti------------
----Candreva-------Banega--------Gaitan----
-----------------------Cavani--------------------
Subs: Hassan, Mussachio, Meunier, Camacho, Milner, Navas, Mandzukic.
Home game against our relegation rivals we have to take the initiative and go for the win regardless. Playing expressive football with fluidity and flair to break them down.
Defensively we have to be sound, we have full backs that are capable of getting up and down the pitch well to support and defend and the base of our midfield needs a lot of energy to press the ball well. As we aren't playing with a natural defensive midfielder, our back 4 must be rigid because all of our midfielders will look to hunt the ball down in packs, so our defence needs to be organised, squeeze up when possible to leave minimal space between the lines of the midfield and the defence. But our back 4 must stay tight, rigid and our full backs can't go forward until we win the ball back. Our midfield and attackers will press the ball when they have possession so we can win it back.
Going forward, we will look to keep possession for long spells, but looking to penetrate the defence when possible with clever interchanges and movement in behind the defence. We build our attacks from the back with our 2 CB's, Verratti and Dembele looking to get on the ball in deep areas of the pitch so we can build our attacks up. Our full backs will push on and support our wingers and really look to double up on the flanks where possible so we can put crosses into the box. Banega will float in and out of the game, we want our central midfield 3 to interchange so they become hard to pick up. Dembele has the capabilities with good footwork and power to drive from deep in midfield, so then Banega must be supportive and play with him and Verratti and link the play and work off Cavani. He needs to look to get the ball in behind the defence when possible, but if not, hold possession I good areas to keep them under pressure. Our wingers will hug the touchlines to stretch the play. Candreva will look to use Juanfran as well to get up the sides and deliver crosses. Gaitan on the left side will look to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. This is so he can get a better angle for the cross when we can but so Bernat can overlap down the flanks and really force their right winger in this case to track well and drag him into a very deep, defensive areas where he doesn't want to be. Cavani's movement is crucial up top. As we look to feed balls in behind, he needs to be peeling off the shoulders of the defenders to create angles for the passes and he needs to look to beat the last line of defence to get into 1v1 opportunities with their keeper. From crosses, he needs to be touch tight to the defender so he can make runs across him to get to the ball first and he needs to look to find the yard of space in the box where possible.
In the result of a red card, we will look to change our system to a more defensive system no matter who comes off and look to be rigid and solid and then hit on the counter attack where possible. These are the changes if a red card happens:
If GK: Hassan > Banega
If FB: Meunier/Milner > Banega (Meunier RB, Milner LB)
If CB: Mussachio > Banega
If CM: Banega drops into CM alongside who it is.
If WG: Navas > Banega (Play either side)
If AM: Stick to a 4-4-1 formation
If ST: Mandzukic > Banega
Subs:
Navas > Candreva - Extra pace out on the right to run at tired full backs. Occasional swap wings with Gaitan.
Camacho > Dembele - Extra steel and a ball winner in midfield where needed and to distribute the ball well.
posted on 3/12/16
Man Ufarted v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injured: Williams, Chambers, Moses, Howedes
Suspended: Schurrle
Ter Stegen
Vrsaljko - Bartra - Cahill - Monreal
Cazorla - Gustavo - Schneiderlin
Bernardeschi - Lukaku - Keita Balde
Subs: Begovic, De Marcos, Galloway, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Deulofeu, Rooney
Red card (Change to a flat 4-4-1)
If Ter Stegen, Cazorla off, Begovic on.
If Vrsaljko, Cazorla off, De Marcos on.
If Bartra/Cahill/Monreal, Cazorla off, Galloway on.
If Schneiderlin/Gustavo, Cazorla off, Schweinsteiger on.
If Cazorla, no change.
If Bernardeschi/Keita Balde, Cazorla off, Deulofeu on.
If Lukaku, Cazorla off, Rooney on.
-----------------
Very tough game today against Man U, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Man U have got a side much better than their league position suggests. Going with a 4-3-3/4-5-1 today to absorb pressure and hit Man U on the break with pace and power in abundance. Ter Stegen in goal, Vrsaljko, Bartra, Cahill and Monreal in defence, Cazorla, Gustavo and Schneiderlin in midfield, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde on the wings with Lukaku down the middle.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Man U have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Cazorla, Gustavo and Schneiderlin, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Keita Balde at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Man U defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Ter Stegen - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Bartra/Cahill - Cahill to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Bartra to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Gustavo to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Man U wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi and Keita Balde as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo - Schneiderlin playing the box to box role, assist Gustavo in dealing with the Man U attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Gustavo stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schneiderlin to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others. Cazorla playing as the playmaker but also forming a midfield three with Gustavo and Schneiderlin to flood the midfield and stop Man U being able to dictate proceedings.
Bernardeschi/Keita Balde - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Man U fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schneiderlin/Gustavo, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Man U centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Link with Bernardeschi and Keita Balde.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning or drawing: Lukaku off, Rooney on. Same system, Rooney with fresh legs and a fresh mind, hold up the ball and kill the tempo of Man U.
If losing: Gustavo and Schneiderlin off, Rooney and Mata on. Change to a 4-1-3-2, same back four, Cazorla the midfield playmaker, Bernardeschi, Mata and Keita Balde behind a front two of Rooney and Lukaku. Push for goals.
posted on 6/12/16
Balanced 4-2-3-1
Slight change from our normal formation, two strong defensive players in front of the back four offering more protection against their attacking players. With 3 attacking mids, looking to get them in space between the Arsenal defence and midfield. Expose the space they leave here normally without a dm and open them up.
The formation will allow us to counter attack Arsenal, using our pace to expose the space they have left when attacking.
A fluid attacking trio, that have freedom to double up on a wing or go central to find space, double up on Arsenal’s defenders. Attack down the wings, one fb attacking, with James linking with the fb and wgs.
Attacking movement in the final third is key. Either a fb or the winger run inside, the other going down the line. This ensures we have at least one dummy run, creating space and pulling defenders out of position.
When we don’t have the ball, we defend in a compact 4-5-1 formation. When we lose the ball, Costa puts pressure on their players high up, not letting them start a counter quickly.
------------- Handanovic
Danilo - Ramos – Otamendi - Kurzawa
--------- A.Vidal - Nzonzi
L.Sane ------- James.R ------ Hazard
--------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, R Javi.M, Can, Kroos, Brozovic, Correa
We play with a very high tempo when we have possession, the AM trio always looking for space, pull their players out of position. We’ll also play with a high tempo when defending our half. Bar the initial quick high press to stop the counter, we let them have the ball in their own half, saving our energy and getting into a solid defensive structure.
Key to our attack is quick, dynamic interchangeable passing.
Defending in numbers
Again we look to control the opposition pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to play in areas we want them to.
As they progress forward we get almost everyone behind the ball quickly. Stop them breaking.
In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw Arsenal into positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.
As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Nzonzi pressing the space in front of our cbs, with James dropping deep. The wingers will come back if they have to track their fb, if not stay forward.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Nzonzi will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across and stop Arsenal. Leaving them no options, and no space to play.
Narrowing the play to the side Arsenal are attacking, crowd them out and push them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over. Get a high number of bodies behind them.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wingers, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Javi and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.
Attack.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace. Nzonzi and Vidal seeking to collect the ball from the defence, and seeking to start our attacks from the back. Looking to set us on a counter attack where possible. Spreading play, and setting the tempo of the game.
One of the fbs bombs forward offering an option, looking to link with the winger ahead of him. Get us playing up and down the wings. Using our pace here to drag players away, creating space for our wingers and James in the middle.
James will always be looking for space in between their defence and midfield. He has freedom to shoot from range, and has the ability to split their defence or play inch perfect crosses into the box for Costa from deep and from wide.
In the opposition half, Vidal will always stay just behind the play, offering the option to go back, and start the attack again, and switch the play if needed. Looking to be on the edge of the box for any loose balls that may come his way, in a position where he can steal in and get a shot on goal. Also offering cover and a quick press to the win ball back if we lose it, if we don’t win it back we at least stop a quick counter.
The midfield should never be flat. We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Pull their players out of their formation to create space for our other attackers to get in and exploit.
Costa plays his natural game up top.
Subs. If winning after 65 mins bring on Kroos for James. Keep up pressure.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Correa for Sane.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Brozovic for Vidal.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Correa for James. 4-2-2-2. Correa super sub offering pace off Costa the target man.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Kroos for Vidal. More creativity.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Correa and Javi.M for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Javi to cb. Correa to striker.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Kroos for Nzonzi.
posted on 7/12/16
--------------------Forster-------------------
Cedric-----M.Keane---van Dijk-----Blind
---------------Matic------Kante-------------
Willian------------Gotze-------------Turan
------------------Lacazette------------------
Pickford, Kolarov, Oscar, Haddadi, Mahrez, Dembele, Lemina
Forster behind the back four which is a solid defensive unit, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early
Keane takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Keane takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and frre kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.
Cedric and Blind are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so Turan and Willian can cut in if they wish and support Lacazette. Put in crosses for him to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of. In this game we are obviously going to be up against top class players so our fullbacks must time there runs forward and not just do it for the sake of it. We MUST hold a strong line at the back to stop them breaking through and in on Forster.
We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Kante and Matic do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times.Kante more than Matic will be making these runs. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our wingers/Gotze. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Kante doesn't let anything go and will be at their players at all times, he has endless energy and wont give up, so as Matic takes care of the AM Kante will be at the heals of every one else in possession in the middle of the park.
Turan and Willian will play with freedom to attack and support Gotze and Lacazette,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross, we may seem like it is all about attack with the fullbacks attacking but when they attack Turan and Willian will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed and support Cedric and Blind. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them. Both Willian and Turan are also very good in front of goal so if an opportunity arises then they have freedom to go for goal.
Gotze will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime and he has bursts of energy that sees him passed players. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he also has the freedom to do so.
Our attacking midfielders must take there opportunities when they come, as we expect Newcastle to have most of the possession it is imperitive we make it count we we have the ball.
Lacazette is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Gotze who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Willian and Turan also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use, we have to go 110% for 90 minutes and show we are not just here to make up the numbers!
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Lacazette
Free Kicks - Gotze
Corners - Gotze
Substitutes
If we are losing then on 70 Minutes, Blind will go into a 3 man central defence. Kolarov will come on for Cedric and go to LM allowing Turan to move in more centrally in a 3-4-3 which sees Gotze to the right of Lacazette and Turan to the left of him.
On 80 minutes we have to go for it so, Haddadi for Turan and Dembele for Matic, Gotze into central midfield and still a front 3
If we are winning on 75 minutes Kolarov for Turan and on 80 Minutes Lemina for Gotze ths will really shut up shop, Dembele will come on for Lacazette also on 80 minutes
If we are drawing then Mahrez for Willian on 60 minutes, Oscar for for Gotze on 70 minutes and Kolarov for Blind on 75 minutes
if this goes to ET then revert back to 4231 best can with players available
Penalties
Lacazette
Dembele
Willian
Turan
Gotze
Kolarov
Mahrez
van Dijk
Haddadi
posted on 7/12/16
Portsmouth v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injured: Ter Stegen, Telles, Danilo, Rooney
Begovic
Vrsaljko - Howedes - Cahill - Monreal
Cazorla - Schweinsteiger
Bernardeschi - Mata - Schurrle
Lukaku
Subs: Semper, Bartra, Gustavo, Schneiderlin, Lanzini, Keita Balde, Long
-----------------
Very tough game today against Portsmouth, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Portsmouth are a very good side and we want to make sure we advance in this cup. Begovic in goal, Vrsaljko, Howedes, Cahill and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield, Bernardeschi, Mata and Schurrle behind Lukaku upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Portsmouth have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Cazorla and Schweinsteiger, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Schurrle at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Portsmouth defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Begovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Howedes/Cahill - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Cahill to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Schweinsteiger to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Portsmouth wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi/Schurrle as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schweinsteiger - Cazorla playing the box to box role, assist Schweinsteiger in dealing with the Portsmouth attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Schweinsteiger stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schweinsteiger to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Bernardeschi/Schurrle - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Portsmouth fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Portsmouth defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Bernardeschi/Schurrle/Lukaku. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Portsmouth defenders to foul you when you're attacking as we can be lethal from setpieces. Link with Lukaku regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lukaku on occasion.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Portsmouth centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Bernardeschi and Schurrle on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata, Schurrle and Lukaku off, Schneiderlin, Keita Balde and Long on. Schneiderlin alongside Schweinsteiger and Cazorla in a midfield trio, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde to RM and LM in a 4-5-1. Long upfront with pace and fresh legs. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Schurrle and Bernardeschi off, Keita Balde and Long on. Long replaces Bernardeschi at RW, Balde replaces Schurrle at LW. Same system with pace and fresh legs out wide to get at the Portsmouth defence.
If losing: Vrsaljko, Schweinsteiger and Schurrle off, Lanzini, Keita Balde and Long on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Cahill and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Mata - Lanzini - Keita Balde behind a front two of Long and Lukaku. Push for goals.
posted on 7/12/16
vs Aston Villa
————————Bravo
——Azpilicueta—Luiz—Koulibaly
Moses——Jorginho——Koke——Marcelo
—————Rakitic————Carrasco
———————Aubameyang
Subs: Scuffet, Alderweireld, Bellerin, Danilo, Cuadrado, Williams, Hernandez
Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: David Luiz/Ivan Rakitic
Corners: Koke/Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerik Aubameyang
Cup quarter final against Ludy’s boys and once again he’s probably confusing his lot, one minute telling them they have no chance of fighting for titles, the next trying to big them up like theyre the next Cherno Samba, but i digress. The problem for Ludy this week is we have the form on our side as well as Victor Moses, the worlds best player right now. His team are full of tiny creative players that all want to play between the lines, unfortunately for him we won’t give them this chance, crowd the middle out to great effect with a compact unit, put high pressure on them, especially their deeper midfielders who will look to dictate, using the energy of Rakitic and the CMs to get on top their midfielders and use the pace and trickery we have up front and out wide to hit them on counter attacks whenever we win possession.
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, Rakitic with more responsibility so Carrasco 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 Villa defence, looking to transition quickly to 3 v 3’s, catching Villa’s FBs out upfield. As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Koke and Jorginho looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Villa’s attacks down, squeezing the space the man on the ball wants to use, which will allow the energetic WBs and the two wide CBs, as well as Rakitic 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/Koulibaly able to step out of the back line and use their excellent aggressive form of defending to break down attacks before they can get into our third, knowing that we will always have Luiz’s power and pace behind them 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 Luiz as a sweeper to deal with the central strikers movement in behind, looking to bully him out of the game, always putting his body in the way. With this system of defending in mind when Villa have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going into the wide areas, stretching them out and getting their wide men in positions where we know they’ll just look to cut inside, making it easy to set up and block this option, then attack the space their FBs leave.
When Villa 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 striker and the WB on the opposite side to tuck in so we always have that spare defender, although he will be focused on the winger on his side looking to make inside runs. In these positions we can simply make things too compact to break through, Jorginho 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 Villa 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 Rakitic will drop in closer to the CMs and we will simply shut up shop and wait for the ball back.
Like previously said the team 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. Azpilicueta and Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Jorginho 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. Jorginho and Koke look to control this game, pressing the opposition midfield into submission, winning the ball back or receiving it from the defenders then using their great range of passing to transition us on the attack, with Koke able to get forward and link up around the edge of the box. 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, looking to get the ball wide and then look to come infield with their trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, or stretch the game right out by running for the byline, we have the beating of their FBs, open the space up and get the ball in the box. That then leaves the front three, with Rakitic looking to get the ball from the midfield and create the chances, he knows how to find space and he knows how to pick passes, he can link up quickly to open them up, leaving Carrasco and Aubameyang the freedom to hurt Villa’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 Carrasco or Aubameyang receives the ball in this gap they are away. All 3 of the forwards are comfortable out wide, they’re 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: Bellerin for Victor Moses 70’, more defensive minded player but still with the same pace to attack. Cuadrado and Danilo for Rakitic and Koke 80’, extra solidity, extra pace to hurt them.
If Drawing: Cuadrado for Jorginho 70’, Rakitic into CM, Cuadrado can use his pace and trickery in wider areas to stretch out the defence. Hernandez and Williams for Carrasco and Aubameyang 80’, fresh legs up front to try something different.
If Losing: Hernandez for Jorginho 65’, 4-4-2 with Rakitic dropping into CM, Azpi RB. Cuadrado and Williams for Azpilicueta and Moses 75’, more offensively dangerous front line, attack the FBs as much as possible and get balls into the box.
posted on 7/12/16
Leicester vs ARSENAL league cup
injuries: Gaya, Garay, Berardi, Ronaldo
……………………………..Buffon………………………………..
………………Dier…….Chiellini…...Romagnoli………..
…………………….Wanyama……..Marchisio…………..
Felipe……………………Fabregas…………………..Oxlade
………………...Batshuyai…………El Shaarway..
Subs: Butland, Rugani, De Vrij, Herrera, Valero, Kenedy, Bacca
Sticking (kind of) to our 3-5-2 roots, we’re at Fratton park for the 3rd time in four matches so it’s pretty much a home game for us. Leicester are running away with the league title this season, hands down the best team and we’re coming into the game minus our only world class player. In light of this Tino Bambino knowing there’s no point of a draw as we don’t have replays has decided to go for the win at all costs.
We change our way of playing today as we employ a heavy press but also a “half press” – we lead the heavy press from the front – which is why as good a finisher as he is Bacca is benched in favour of the harder working El Egypt and Batman…. We press the defence through the middle – this is then followed up by our 3 AM’s half pressing the spaces in the middle so they will block any passing routes from the defence into Leicester’s midfield 3…..we’re happy for the ball to go back or wide – hence the semi press…they won’t hurt us from the width. As they move wide we also go across pressing the spaces but allowing them possession in wide areas. It’s a risky plan but the pay-off is that we then get numerical overloads in other areas of the pitch.
Leicester will be going one up top – we keep Chiellini back to keep him covered this then allows Dier and Roma to shuffle wide to cover Leicester’s wingers (Felipe and Oxlade will stay up)
It’s not going to be pretty football I’m afraid today but it will be pragmatic long ball hitting Leicester quickly on the break – Wanyama and Marchisio will both “sit” meaning that centrally Leicester will have to find a way through 5 men and somehow then past Buffon.
When we pinch the ball, we move it forwards quickly and with purpose, Leicester will be most vulnerable in the first few seconds of us having the ball….it’s a bit smash and grab but needs must.
Felipe and Oxlade will both stay up top and wide – when our back 3 we want to be pinging those diagonal balls out to them rapidly so we can bypass the midfield and catch Rof’s boys as they’re retreating
The pace and direct running of Batman and El Egpyt is crucial today for us to play on the counter – as they both stay up top plus our 2 wingers – we will have good numbers in Leicesters half at all times, the 4 will stay in close contact, always leaving an easy pass on for each other. Whilst forcing ROF’s FB’s to stay back……the advantage of this is that we can then isolate ROF’s wingers into 1v1 battles
Bloody tough game this but it serves Tino right for his monumental feck up vs Pompey
Subs: 65 mins
Herrera > Wanyama
Bacca > El Egypt
Pens (if required)
Bacca
Batman
Marchisio
Cesc
Felipe
Herrera
Oxlade
Dier
Chiellini
Roma
Gigi
posted on 7/12/16
--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Matip-----Tah-----Wendell
----------------Casemiro
----------Tolisso--------Pjanic
Mane----------------------------Lemar
-------------------Kane
Subs
Patricio, Rudiger, Bertrand, Denis, Ramsey, Dembele, 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.
Matip 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 Kane 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 - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and 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 Lemar flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Casemiro 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. Tolisso 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Kane is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Dembele for Mane - 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 - Denis for Lemar and Ramsey for Tolisso - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Denis and Wendell for Tolisso and Bertrand - Verratti drops deeper. Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
70 Mins - Sturridge, Rudiger and Denis for Bertrand, Henderson 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.
posted on 7/12/16
whoops, forgot to add penalty takers, so depending on if they are on the ptich
Pjanic
Lemar
Kane
Mane
Sturridge
Tolisso
Dembele
Denis
Matip
Wendell
Bertrand
and the losing sub should have casemiro there instead of henderson
posted on 7/12/16
ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 8. Coutinho ————— 11. Reus
————————————— 9. Higuain
SUBS: 31. Begovic, Bruma, 16. De Rossi, 25. Strootman, 23. Eriksen, 42. Yaya Toure, 21. Gameiro
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Marco Reus
Crossing free-kicks: Marco Reus
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 creativity with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield. 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 Xhaka and Coquelin will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Xhaka and Coquelin 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. Coutinho 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 Xhaka and Coquelin 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, Coutinho is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Robben 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 Reus 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, Robben and Coutinho to create and take chances.
SUBS:
If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Coutinho. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover in a 433.
If d rawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Yaya for Coquelin. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Yaya and Coutinho will dominate from behind Higuain as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Reus goes to the left.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for Coutinho. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Yaya in the middle and Robben on the right Reus on the left. Gameiro and Higgers up front.
posted on 8/12/16
---------------------- De Gea --------------------
P.Lahm --- Boateng ----- Bonucci --- Ricardo
------ L.Modric --- Busquets -- Paredes ------
Sanchez ------------ A.Silva ---------- Neymar
Dragowski, A.Conti, Stones, Kessie, Alli, Gabriel, Aguero
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 again at CB, 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 Paredes, 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/Paredes will drive forward leaving Busquets to sit in and depending on which fullback is attacking Modric/Paredes will cover for the marauding fullbacks who will drive on into support the front three especially Paredes as Ricardo will be doing more attacking than Lahm, 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 Silva 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 Silva. 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.
Andre Silva will get plenty chances, he must put away this side who will be solid at the back.,he is able to keep possession, to help in the build-up, to maintain a constant high-pressing reaction to the ball loss and construct and distribute goal opportunities to his teammates so he gets 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. Silva is very good in the air, his jumping reach is extraordinary and the percentage of successful headers is very high so he has no fear facing a tall CB he has 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/Paredes/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 - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs:-
60 Minutes - Aguero for Silva, he will have the energy to hit the defenders once Silva has tired them out
Winning -
70 Minutes - Kessie for Paredes, he brings a dynamic energy to our midfield to help in the defensive areas v any new midfielders the bring on
80 Minutes - Andrea Conti for Neymar, he goes to RM and Sanchez to LM these two both have defensive attributes which will help close down the midfield and see the game out
Losing -
70 Minutes - Gabriel Jesus on for Paredes - go 442 with Gabriel up top with Aguero
80 Minutes - Neymar up top, Ricardo to LM 343
Drawing -
70 Minutes - Dele Alli for Paredes he goes to a No.10 role
80 Minutes - Andrea Conti for Lahm, I want him to attack the right flank as well as concentrating on his defensive duties
posted on 9/12/16
--------------------- J.Hart --------------------
Cancelo ---- Bartra ---- Zouma ---- Hector
----------- Carvalho ----- A.Gomes ----------
Walcott -------- Calhanoglu -------- Perotti
-------------------- C.Austin -------------------
Lodygin, Ginter, Brozovic, Volland, Cornet, Kelechi, C.Wilson
In goal Joe Hart, 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.
Bartra in beside Zouma, on this occassion Bartra will man mark the CF, he is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Zouma alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.
Cancelo and Hector at fullback, both experienced and this will be vital against two top wingers we must keep them quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of attacks. They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank for our wingers to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up. Cancelo especially is fantastic at this.
We go with a midfield trio of Gomes,, Calhanoglu and Carvalho. Carvalho the most defensive out the three so he sits in, but they work very hard to gether as a trio shutting the opposition down, so really if they stay in position whilst they attack it will be a hard task for them to break down. Carvalho sits in allowing the other two to attack, Calhanoglu being the furthest forward as Gomes looks to dictate the passage of play from a deeper position and allow the 4 in front to go for goal, they are all good passers and have great vision and technique, they pick up from the back four always keep there heads up and look around before they get the ball, so if they are under pressure they know exactly where to play the quick pass. If they are under pressure from an opponent, shield the ball and pass back to defenders to start again. A very energetic trio and they all get right into the opposition players faces, not nasty players but strong in the tackle and dont give away much. Calhanoglu I want to support Austin as much as possible and look to play neat triangles between the wingers to set them free.
Walcott and Perotti are both aggressive attack minded wingers, I want them to have a real go today, drive down the wings using pace and skill to get them beyond the fullbacks. They both have tricks in the locker and will use them as they look to get Austin, Calhanoglu and each other in on goal. Walcott will look to bomb down the line with the support of Cancleo and look to fire in crosses whereas Perotti will look to use his skill to cut inside and harrass the defence with Calhanglu, When defending then get back and stop the winngers becoming an attacking threat.
Austin up top, he is in fine form, certainly knows where the back of the net is, a predator, a natural finisher will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. 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. Austin is good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Walcott, Calhanglu and Perotti.
Captain - Jonas Hector
Penalties - Austin/CF
Free kicks - Calhanoglu
Corners - Calhanoglu
Subs
Losing
65 Mins - Cornet for Perotti, fresh young legs to go the RB
75 Mins - Kelechi for Austin
82 Mins - Callum Wilson for Walcott, Cancelo to RM and Wilson up front with Kelechi 3412
Drawing -
70 Mins - Kelechi and Cornet for Austin and Perotti straight swaps, fresh energy
80 Mins - Brozovic for Gomes
Winning -
70 Mins - Brozivic for Perotti, Calhanoglu to LM and Brozovic to CM to shore it up, if need be Gomes can move into an attacking position (if need be!)
80 Mins - Kelechi for Austin
85 Mins - Ginter for Walcott, Cancleo to Rm and Ginter to RB
posted on 9/12/16
ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1
———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 42. Yaya ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 11. Reus
SUBS: 31. Chesney, 19. Aurier, 16. De Rossi, 25. Strootman, 23. Eriksen, 28. Rabiot, 21. Gameiro
Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Marco Reus
Crossing free-kicks: Marco Reus
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 Yaya coming into the side bringing his physicality with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield, against Leicester we need to keep the little amount of the ball we've got and Yaya doesn't get pushed off the ball easily and carry it forwards. 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 Xhaka and Coquelin will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Xhaka and Coquelin 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. Yaya 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 Xhaka and Coquelin 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, Yaya is somewhat free of defensive responsibility unless under pressure as both Robben and Coutinho 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 Reus 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.
Reus 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 Yaya, Robben and Coutinho to create and take chances.
SUBS:
If winning after 75 mins bring on De Rossi for Yaya. 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. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Yaya and Eriksen will dominate from behind Reus as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Coutinho to the left.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for Yaya. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Eriksen in the middle and Robben on the right Coutinho on the left. Gameiro and Reus up front.
Red card take off yaya
Chesney for oblak
Aurier if defender
De Rossi for deep midfielder
Eriksen for wingers
Gameiro for Reus
posted on 9/12/16
--------------------Forster-------------------
Cedric-----M.Keane---van Dijk-----Blind
---------------Matic------Kante-------------
Willian------------Gotze-------------Turan
------------------Lacazette------------------
Pickford, Kolarov, Oscar, Haddadi, Mahrez, Dembele, Lemina
Forster behind the back four which is a solid defensive unit, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early
Keane takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Keane takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and frre kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Kante sits in with the fullabacks when they go forward.
Cedric and Blind are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so Turan and Willian can cut in if they wish and support Lacazette. Put in crosses for him to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of. In this game we are obviously going to be up against top class players so our fullbacks must time there runs forward and not just do it for the sake of it. We MUST hold a strong line at the back to stop them breaking through and in on Forster.
We are going to look and play a compact midfield to reduce the time they have on the ball. Kante and Matic do this and will be sitting in with either making the occassional run forward, one of them must sit in at all times.Kante more than Matic will be making these runs. I want them to break their attack up very quickly and get the ball forward or out to our wingers/Gotze. Matic takes up the main role of marking there attacking midfielder. He is a very in your face type character so there midfielders wont have much time on the ball. Kante doesn't let anything go and will be at their players at all times, he has endless energy and wont give up, so as Matic takes care of the AM Kante will be at the heals of every one else in possession in the middle of the park.
Turan and Willian will play with freedom to attack and support Gotze and Lacazette,they have a lot of skill so can pick these players out easily when we break forward and as we break forward they can cut inside and allow our fullbacks to get beyond them to put in the cross, we may seem like it is all about attack with the fullbacks attacking but when they attack Turan and Willian will push wide to stop there fullbacks if needed and support Cedric and Blind. Close control from our midfield pass quickly and look to get around there players. Our fullbacks are important today as midfielders when we attack, we need lots of energy and drive from them. Both Willian and Turan are also very good in front of goal so if an opportunity arises then they have freedom to go for goal.
Gotze will be the link that will get the ball from midfield to attack, his passing is sublime and he has bursts of energy that sees him passed players. Will have his head up at all times and pick team mates out easily breaking down there defensive lines with ease, quick one touch passing to the front three and they will be in on goal very quickly. If he has to drop deep to get possession of the ball then so be it, he also has the freedom to do so..
Lacazette is a fantastic outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Gotze who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support from our fullbacks, Willian and Turan also this is a very quick and powerul front line always driving forward and hopefully that defenders will fear. We must drive at them non stop, we have subs which we will use, we have to go 110% for 90 minutes and show we are not just here to make up the numbers!
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Lacazette
Free Kicks - Gotze
Corners - Gotze
Substitutes
If we a re Winning - Kolarov will come on for Turan on 70 minutes and Dembele for Lacazette the same time
On 80 minutes Lemina will come on for Gotze
If we are Losing Dembele will comeon for Gotze on 70 minutes and we go 442 with Mahrez on for Willian at the same time
Oscar on for Matic on 80
If we are drawing Oscar for Gotze and Mahrez for Willian on 70 Minutes and Dembele for Lacaztte on 75
posted on 9/12/16
Wimmer, Keïta, Torres, Mor
Captain: Geis
Penalties: Werner (Driussi)
Free Kicks: Geis
-----------------------Horn
Weiser-------Stark----------Süle------Henrichs
--------------Geis-----------Dahoud
Bailey---------------Schöpf-------------Gnabry
----------------------Werner
Subs: Karius, Klostermann, Biglia, Kampl, Asensio, Forsberg, Driussi
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 Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis and Dahoud we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Dahoud can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Geis can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Dahoud’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Dahoud running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Johannes Geis.
A holding midfielder through and through, Geis is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Geis such a talent.
Geis is also our dead ball specialist, so do watch out for his renowned pin-point accuracy.
The attacking unit consists of Leon Bailey, Alessandro Schöpf and Serge Gnabry 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 Geis or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Weiser and Henrichs can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Geis and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Leon Bailey 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 Bailey, Gnabry or Werner in via fast passing combinations.
Very much like his comrades (Bailey, Schöpf & Gnabry), 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 70 Mins: Kampl on for Dahoud
Kampl has a massive engine on him and will bring a fresh intensity in terms of his pressing game. The midfield is where this game may be won or lost, and we do not intend on losing this battle.
Sub 80 Mins: Driussi on for Werner
Driussi is an all-round centre forward, and with 10 minutes left to go he’s our man to go to for a late goal that could make all of the difference to our result.
posted on 9/12/16
Wolves vs ARSENAL
Injuries: Gaya, Garay, Berardi,Barzagli
……………………………………Buffon……………………………….
Hysaj………………De Vrij…………..Chiellini…………….De Sciglio
…………………………………….Wanyama…………………………………
……………………Marchisio………………Fabregas……………………..
…………………………………….Rodriguez…………………………………….
………………………..Higuain……………….Niang…………………………
Subs: Butland, Rugani, Romagnoli, Herrera, Valero, El Shaarawy, Batshuayi
Slight change of plan today after a busy few day in the transfer market…Tino Bambino takes his Arsenal team back to his first love and pride of the black country, Wolves
Tiki-Talia in its purest form as we want to go there control the centre of the pitch and dominate possession – this system helped Milan dominate in Italy and in Europe and that’s how we go now.
Marky has worked hard on improving the fortunes of Wolves but to a man we’re the stronger side so we have to go for it now, build on a good win vs Pompey and get back into the hunt for European football.
Defensively we defend from the front because there’s such a focus on our spine the heavy press in terms of man to man won’t really work so we’re “marking” the spaces today in 2 phases, our front two will push hard and fast on the Wolves defenders with James then moving forward and cutting out the short simple passes into Wolves DM’s this does leave a ball out wide but that’s ok….or it forces it long which is our preference.
IF it goes wides then our front 3 again shuffle over cutting off the spaces not always the man……Because we have the luxury of Wanyama sitting this means Hysaj and De sciglio can push higher up the pitch to mark Wolves wingers – eventually we’ll get a numerical overload/advantage and force the error….
When we have the ball the diamond will stay close, we’re not going long today – we aim to move the opposition around with the ball, making them chase shadows – In and around the Wolves box we want some slick one touch passes and little one-twos to try and create the space.
If Wolves do come at us pressing hard then the diamond is perfect really as there should always be an “out-ball” no need to panic and go long (unless on a quick counter) There is nothing wrong with going backwards and building again – Both Full-backs are good on the ball so the cross-field pass is also a viable option.
Individual adhoc instructions:
Buffon – just play the game that has led to many saying you’re the greatest of all time – a fantastic shot stopper that exudes confidence in his team-mates
Hysaj/De Sciglio – tasked with giving us the width and balance today, both have great engines and are full of running – they’ll need it today as they’re up and down all afternoon…defensively just show the man the line, don’t dive in just apply pressure and make him make a choice with what he’ll do with the ball.
Chiellini – If as expected Wolves go one up top then he’s the shadow – simple as that really
De Vrij – will be the spare man help out with either full-back if they’re getting over-run, has to trust Wanyama to deal with the threat from midfield.
Wanyama – Every successful side needs a bit of brute force, and he’s ours – better on the ball than he’s given credit for but will just keep it simple, Don’t need him to be a Pirlo our Gattuso is what’s required of him
Marchisio and Fabregas – Marchisio is our box-to-box man today, goes about his job quietly but he’s missed when not available, will look to carry the fight in midfield, Cesc may not be so mobile any more but with Marchisio’s legs and Wanyama’s muscle, he can sit happily in midfield dictating the tempo, has all the skills needed to run the midfield.
James – the archetypal #10 – he really is perfect in this role – a nice heads up player with quick feet, will link our midfield and attack seamlessly in my opinion.
Higuain/Niang – have the makings of a tidy partnership – Higgy not a great allrounder and can seem lazy and disinterested that said in the box he’s a power-player..not many better finishers in the modern game than El Pipita…Niang is his polar opposite – not the best finisher but rapid turn of pace and full of running – will look to take a defender away with his clever running, creating more space for James to find Higgy Stardust.
Subs:
65 mins
Herrera > Fabregas
El Egypt > Niang
Rugani > De Vrij
posted on 9/12/16
Cesc has left me so where you see his name its now David Silva
posted on 9/12/16
--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe-----Godin-----Bertrand
--------Krychowiak------Pjanic
Mane--------------Ozil------------Di Maria
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Matip, Wendell, Nainggolan, Dembele, Lemar, Kane
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 5 to get those quick counters started.
Godin is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possesion to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with Ozil 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 behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.
Both wingers today will be looking will be to drift around when deeper players are in possession, looking to combine with the other attacking players to get little areas of space before using their pace and trickery to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the centre mids and Suarez, looking to create the passing triangles which will just take players out of the game. They should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a set piece due to the ability of our set piece takers. When the opposite wide man has the ball, the wideman without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be stopping the passing lines to the full backs primarily, then focus on ensuring our full backs dont get outnumbered.
When Suarez is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul, his unpredictable style when on the ball will look to cause a bit of doubt in the minds of the defenders as he has a knack of bouncing it off peoples shins and it landing in a perfect position for himself to create a chance for himself or others. He also has a knack of being the first to react to get onto rebounds or parries and taking those one touch chances.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.
Set Pieces
Corners - Ozil takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Mane and Di Maria 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. Pjanic takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt and occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Suarez takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Radja for Ozil - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
81 + 85 Mins - Dembele for Mane and Lemar for Di Maria - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Radja for Krychowiak - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
70 Mins - Kane, Matip and Radja for Bertrand, Krychowiak and Juanfran - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.
posted on 10/12/16
-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Lichtsteiner-----------Manolas--------Verthonghen-----------Rose
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------Hamsik----------Goretzka------------------------------------
Shaqiri--------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Rashford-----------------
Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Sissoko, Young, Mario, Florenzi, Fekir
CAPTAIN - CECH
CK'S - NOLITO
FK'S - SHAQIRI
PENALTIES - VARDY
Playing welshy this week. Goretzka will be well up for it against the manager who brought him into the league, but alas sold him and broke the wonderful father/son relationship they once had
This 4222 formation is solid in defence but also very attacking with 2 strikers up front and 2 wingers.
Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. The defence is well balanced. Manolas 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
Hamsik + Goretzka
Hamsik and Goretzka will play a b2b role. When Hamsik attacks, Goretzka stays back to defend and vice versa. 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 Goretzka 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 + Rashfordinho
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.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Fekir for Rashford. Also bring on Young for Nolito and Mario for Goretzka. Play a high line and try and get a goal.
Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Vardy and put on Shawcross in CB and play 5atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Sissoko for Shaqiri aswell. aswell.
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Rashford off for Fekir
Goretzka off for Sissoko
Nolito off for Young
posted on 10/12/16
—————————Bravo
Azpilicueta--Alderweireld--Koulibaly--Marcelo
——————————D.Luiz
——————Rakitic—————Koke
Williams————Aubameyang————Carrasco
Subs: Scuffet, Bellerin, Jorginho, Danilo, Cuadrado, V.Moses, Hernandez
Captain: David Luiz
Free Kicks: Ivan Rakitic/David Luiz
Corners: Koke/Ivan Rakitic
Penalties: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Slight change in formation this week to bring David Luiz out of the defence and drop the WBs to FBs in order to counter the Newcastle front 4, in particular using Luiz to man mark Ozil and keep him out of the game. We adopt a more deep lying defensive block in order to both reduce the space in behind our back line to limit the threat of Mane, then to allow us to be much more compacted and tightly grouped in order to make it difficult for their attackers play the ball around. Up front we change to a stretched out front 3 with a lot of flair on the flanks and pace all the way across, play on the counter attack against some pretty slow defenders, if we can get 3 for 3’s and stretch the three across our movement and pace running off the shoulder should see us get some goals.
Off the ball we will set up to defend in a compact, narrow 4-3-3, defending the field in three separate areas, the two flanks and the central third, make sure that every inch of space is covered, suffocating our opponents and controlling the game even without possession. Defending starts from the front with the front 3, closing down their CMs in a way that stops them passing between themselves and the FBs, with the CMs in behind covering the passing routes, ready to step in and engage when their deep lying playmaker steps forward, leaving the FBs tight to the CBs, ready to engage the wide forwards when the ball goes their way. This makes sure the middle of the field is totally locked down, and the advanced wide areas too, leaving the long ball as an option, something that won’t suit their forwards they’re up against defenders that can match them in the air and for pace, any knock down that a forward does win should see our players beating theirs to the ball, ready to mop up and see us counter. Luiz looks to cover the space between the lines, in doing so focusing on Ozil, looking to be rough with him giving him the kind of game Ozil usually shies out of, knowing he has two excellent hard working midfielders ahead of him helping him in the battle. We look to always force them out of the middle and invite their FBs forward to try and break us down. When we defend the flanks it allows us to make things extra compact by shuffling our set up across to meet the Newcastle advances, with the wide forward on that side coming across to defend against the FB, leaving us to engage two v two, whilst Auba and the midfield come across the close off the central route, making sure we have 6 men suffocating the attack, leaving our other wide man to close off the switch to his flank(also wait as the out ball with his pace to get behind) and the FB on that side tucked in alongside the CB allowing us to have a back 3. This will leave Newcastle squeezed onto the touchline where they are at their least threatening, up against two FBs who are quick in to their defensive duties and backed up by hard working forwards, limit them to crosses which we can deal with, any attempt to go in field is blocked by the sheer numbers and compactness of our side, any attempt to find the strikers will be intercepted by our CBs who will always be on their toes, ready to win the ball and set up attacks with their good distribution.
The farther forward they come when attacking the middle the tighter our formation becomes, becoming a 4-4-2 with Carrasco dropping in and leaving us with Williams and Aubameyang waiting as out balls higher up the field. We then have two narrow banks of 4, all close together making sure Newcastle can’t pass their way through us, keep them going side to side and as soon as they get bored and look to move the ball forward we will be able to step in win it back and send it into the wide areas for our two rapid strikers. FBs are always tight to the CBs when defending, like wise wide midfielders to CMs in this 4-4-2, we know Newcastle’s players want to come infield and run between defenders, we won’t give them that opportunity today, any ball the CBs don’t deal with the FBs are there to cover and vice versa. We can once more force them to try and use the wide areas where they’ll be more space and then quickly shuffle the formation across to smother them. Alderweireld and Koulibaly between them will look to deal with Suarez, get tight when needed, kick him if needed and frustrate him, if we can wind him up he’ll be more likely to focus on trying to kick us back.
Going forward we are looking to use our flair players in spaces, in particularly behind their FBs so that we can draw Godin and co out of their more comfortable central positions where they become vulnerable and where our front three have the beating of them. To give them to the ball we have two of the best box to box midfielders around, we expect Newcastle to press us high up but we believe that in Koke and Rakitic we have two players who can play out of this, either link up between them with quick passing and their forward bursts, or by using their excellent longer passing looking to get the ball out to the wingers, especially the one where the FB is pushed up which we expect to normally be Clyne, allowing us to look for Carrasco, who will also have Marcelo able to run beyond him, either inside or out to draw defenders away and get Carrasco up one v one against defenders where he’s at his most dangerous. The CMs can also look for the movement of Aubameyang and Williams if Carrasco us marked, either playing them down the flank or looking to play them in behind, with one of the two forwards coming deeper to drag a CB with him which leaves a much easier pass for Rakitic/Koke, they just have to lob into some space behind the defence and that leaves Williams/Aubameyang in a foot race one v one with the CB, especially effective if we’ve been defending as a 4-4-2, good luck to the CB. Both midfielders are equally effective in the opposition third so one can go all the way to join attacks and make it a front 4, becoming a link man and going wide or central to double up in space where we can get behind Newcastle. If the CMs aren’t getting us forward we also have Luiz who can play these passes and he is more likely to have a bit of time and space as we know Ozil won’t focus on his defensive duties for a full 90 minutes, Luiz can play a long pass as well as any player in the game and we know given the chance he will pick a forward out. We also have Alderweireld who can play these passes so we can use longer balls when pressed high if required, no taking risks by playing out from the back, we are just as effective going longer. That leaves the front 3 who has already explained are there to play in the spaces, express themselves by taking defenders on for pace and trickery, using their movement off the shoulder and linking up quickly, off the ball they will always be looking to find spaces down the sides, they know that a defence that has Godin in it can deal with anyone, no matter where the FBs are, if we let them defend through the middle, this front three won’t allow that.
Subs:
If Winning: Danilo for Luiz 70’, fresh legs in a key role. Jorginho for Koke 75’, fresh legs once again to keep up the hard work. Bellerin for Williams 5-3-2 80’.
If Drawing: Cuadrado for Williams 65’, fresh pace. Hernandez for Carrasco 75’, plays upfront with Auba coming from wide and looking to take advantage of Hernandez’s movement drawing out CBs to run in behind.
If Losing: Koulibaly off, Moses on 60’, Luiz back to CB, 3-4-3 with the WBs looking to play high up the pitch and force Newcastle back. Hernandez for Williams 70’, with them pushed back Hernandez is the perfect player to poach a goal.
posted on 10/12/16
4-3-3 Control
At home we go with a positive mind-set, looking to dominate possession, and press the opposition high up the park, not letting them play out. Frustrate them by keeping possession, and frustrate them when they do win the ball.
We have gone with what we think is our best team for the day with nearly everyone fit and having rested a few players midweek who inject fresh energy. Javi.M is in for Otamendi, a more intelligent defender who we feel will be better at sweeping and covering for our other defenders against their pacey forwards, and will stand up to them without diving in.
We have gone with an energetic and athletic midfield trio as we look to press high up the park, who can be first to every ball in midfield. With Villa missing their two best central midfielders, we look to stop them getting the ball to their ams. We want to isolate their ams.
Importantly we have a cm trio that are all strong on the ball. Going forward Can will tend to be the cm that stays in the dm position, however when the chances arises he bombs forward and the deepest cm covers for him, with both capable of filling in.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves. We have great athleticism throughout the side, with Costa providing energy, power and someone to play off and run in behind.
The cm midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed out wide as gaps appear in the opposition formation, we look to shift the ball wider as we advance into the opposition half. This will be key to our attacks, as we look to overload one side of the play. Kroos has freedom to play long balls.
The two wingers have freedom to play central in the final third. In the first two thirds we want to keep them wide, test their fbs defensively.
With great movement in our midfield, and one fb bombing forward we’ll drag their players out of position, getting our midfielders on the ball to create the chances. After Villa attacks, we will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
--------------- Handanovic
Danilo - S.Ramos – J.Martinez - Kurzawa
------- A.Vidal – Kroos – E.Can
-- A.Correa --------------------- Hazard --
---------------- D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Rafael, Nzonzi, Otavio, Sane, Jese
Key to our attack is quick attacking play on the ball and when moving on. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our wingers/Costa quickly.
Defence
Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit high up the park. Only letting them play in areas we want them to. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. Win the ball back quickly.
Everyone else forms a narrow formation, pressing the space and not allowing them options. Let their cbs have the ball, Vidal picks up the second most defensive cm, and Can picking up the am. Kroos will look to press the passing channels of the player on the ball. The winger opposite play comes deep picking up their dm. Costa covers the space in between their cbs, in position to cover balls across the back. If they get the ball to the other side, we simply switch over.
Force them to take risks. If we win the ball we’re in a great position to take advantage. Our back 4 will dominate in the air against their forwards.
As Villa advance into higher areas of the park, our shape will resemble a 4-1-4-1. Our wingers track any forward runs made by their fbs, if the fb doesn’t go forward the winger stays high up the park, giving us an option on the break. Can is the midfielder who presses the space in front of our cbs. Leaving their deepest cm free, Vidal picks up their cm, with Kroos again free to read and intercept their play, pressing the space in front of Can and their am.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Can reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across. At the back Ramos picks up their forward with Javi free to read the play. Narrowing the play to the side Villa are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their ams, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can wait for the right time to make the tackle, not diving in. If he does manage to get past you coming inside Can and a cb will be there to tidy up or down the line then there’s a chance to get back and stop the cross.
Attack.
We vary our play going forward. Counter where possible. We expect to have the majority of possession, and have 3 cms that can create, with different options on each wing.
The wingers have creative freedom in the final third, with license to switch wings and come central. Always look for them in space. The attacking fb will be bombing forward offering width down the wing.
In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line, all comfortable in possession and have great pace, this will also be key as we look to press high up the park when we lose possession.
The cm trio spread play, setting the tempo of the game, and take turns to look for space in between the defence and midfield. They all have the ability to link with our front three and be a threat in and around their box.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Vidal,Kroos and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game.
Captain: Ramos
Subs.
If winning after 65 mins bring on Sane for Correa. Pace to stretch them.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nzonzi for Can. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 84 mins bring on Jese for Costa. Fresh pace.
If drawing after 65 mins bring on Sane for Can. 4-2-3-1. Sane right. Correa left. Hazard central.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Otavio for Correa. James to cm. More attacking.
If losing after 55 mins bring on Otavio for Can.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Otamendi and Sane for Kurzawa and Danilo. 3-5-2. Correa and Costa up front.
If a red:
If Handanovic, bring on Schmeichel for Can. 4-4-1
If Danilo, bring on Rafael for Can. If Kurzawa, Can to left back. 4-4-1.
If a cb, bring on Otamendi for Can, 4-4-1.
If a cm, 4-4-1.
If a winger. 4-3-1-1. Winger moves behind Costa.
If Costa. Hazard and Correa up top. 4-3-2.
posted on 10/12/16
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Arsenal
Injured: Ter Stegen, Telles, Barbosa, Rooney, Lovren
Suspended: Cahill
Begovic
Vrsaljko - Howedes - Williams - Monreal
Cazorla - Schweinsteiger
Bernardeschi - Mata - Schurrle
Lukaku
Subs: Semper, Galloway, Gustavo, Schneiderlin, Lanzini, Keita Balde, Long
-----------------
Very tough game today against Arsenal, going with the plan of dominating the midfield we aim to give ourselves the best possible chance of success today.
Going full strength today, taking no chances as Arsenal are a very good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Begovic in goal, Vrsaljko, Howedes, Williams and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield, Bernardeschi, Mata and Schurrle behind Lukaku upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Arsenal have some class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Cazorla and Schweinsteiger, with Mata ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Bernardeschi at RW and Schurrle at LW both able to use their pace and get at the Arsenal defence with Vrsaljko and Monreal overlapping. Lukaku upfront to give us a physical presence and somebody who is able to hold up possession as well as create chances for himself and his teammates.
Begovic - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Lukaku.
Howedes/Williams - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Williams to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers pick up a man each and leave Schweinsteiger to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.
Vrsaljko/Monreal - Both of you to force the Arsenal wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back four with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Bernardeschi/Schurrle as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lukaku and link with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Cazorla/Schweinsteiger - Cazorla playing the box to box role, assist Schweinsteiger in dealing with the Arsenal attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Schweinsteiger stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Schweinsteiger to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Cazorla to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Bernardeschi/Schurrle - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Arsenal fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Lukaku with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger/Mata, and capitalise on the space Lukaku's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.
Mata - Mata to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Arsenal defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Bernardeschi/Schurrle/Lukaku. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Arsenal defenders to foul you when you're attacking as we can be lethal from setpieces. Link with Lukaku regularly. Able to drop into midfield with Cazorla/Schweinsteiger when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lukaku on occasion.
Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Arsenal centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Look to interchange with Bernardeschi and Schurrle on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mata, Schurrle and Lukaku off, Schneiderlin, Keita Balde and Long on. Schneiderlin alongside Schweinsteiger and Cazorla in a midfield trio, Bernardeschi and Keita Balde to RM and LM in a 4-5-1. Long upfront with pace and fresh legs. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.
If drawing: Schurrle and Bernardeschi off, Keita Balde and Long on. Long replaces Bernardeschi at RW, Balde replaces Schurrle at LW. Same system with pace and fresh legs out wide to get at the Arsenal defence.
If losing: Vrsaljko, Schweinsteiger and Schurrle off, Lanzini, Keita Balde and Long on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Williams and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Mata - Lanzini - Keita Balde behind a front two of Long and Lukaku. Push for goals.
posted on 10/12/16
STOKE CITY V Portsmouth
Line Up:
Krul
Sidibe Marquinhos Koscielny Luis
Fabinho
Pedro Fabregas Mkhitaryan Ribery
Ibrahimovic
Substitutes: Jedvaj; Savic; Coentrao; Herrera; Bernardo Silva; Perisic; Bacca
Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Free Kicks: Ribery
Corners: Fabregas
Game Plan:
OFF THE BALL:
We know that Portsmouth have some dangerous pace up front and talented playmakers on the wing so we will be looking to sit a little deeper and focus on negating this aspect to their game.
We’ll be looking to play a cultured pressing game, allowing Portsmouth to move the ball around the back deep in their half if they wish but getting close to them when they approach our half of the pitch.
We will be looking to press in numbers when we do attempt to win the ball, closing down the player with the ball while also closing off passing lanes– forcing the opposition player to attempt to force his way through against numerous defenders; a difficult task in tight spaces even for the greatest of players.
In this sense, we will look to emulate the impressive system that Diego Simeone has employed to great effect with Atletico Madrid. We can’t play a full pressing system all game and expect it to be effective but by pressing in numbers in, and just beyond, our own half we can limit the amount of running individual players have to do while simultaneously closing off space and making it extremely difficult for Portsmouth to play through.
The key to succeeding defensively will be in the midfield battle. We will set up in a 433 holding when Portsmouth are attacking, with Fabinho holding and Fabregas and Fabregas looking to put themselves around in front – harassing players in the centre. With the freedom of having a holding player behind them, they will be much more adept at this role. With 3 bodies in the middle we can look to compress and prevent Portsmouth from dictating the tempo.
Our two wingers will be key in this, as well, as they will be required to track the runs of their respective full backs and prevent Portsmouth from working on the overlap and focusing their efforts on either flank. Both Pedro and Ribery are determined players with good engines which makes them perfectly suitable for completing this task.
Ibrahimovic, also, will have a key role to play in our defending. He will be looking to sit between the two centre backs. If our pressing works and Portsmouth are forced to play backwards to keep possession, Ibrahimovic will be well placed to intercept and start a counter attack. He will also be expected to drop deep and help press if Portsmouth’s midfield starts to get a hold on the game.
Our defenders will not directly be involved in the pressing game. Koscielny will be tasked with keeping a close eye on the Pompey striker, making sure that he can’t become involved in the play. Sitting deep in our half will prevent him from making full use of his pace and will be forced to drift to make something happen. Marquinhos, meanwhile will look to drop off a little bit and use his pace to make sure no one can break through and cause trouble behind our back line.
The two full backs will look to get close and personal with their opposite wingers. We don’t want them getting any space to influence the game. Stay close, stand them up and don’t allow them to link up with the rest of the team.
Krill will have to be vocal and keep his defence organised and on their toes. By playing a deep line with Marquinhos sweeping, he will not be required to rush out too much.
ON THE BALL:
We have built up a side with technically gifted defenders and we will look to dominate possession against this particular opponent – playing out from the back and keeping hold of the ball, spreading the play around the pitch and being calm in possession, as we know that we have players that can shift up through the gears in a split second to exploit an opening.
Should Portsmouth look to press high up the pitch, we will drop back and look to use our brilliant movement off the ball and short, sharp passing to play around their press – keeping the ball away from Portsmouth and allowing them to tire out and leave holes that we can exploit.
If, however, they decide to sit deep and look to squeeze the life out of the game then we will look to probe along the pitch, moving the ball from side to side while our attacking players look to move around and find a bit of space, waiting to find a chink in their armour.
Our attacking 5 is full of technically brilliant players who are good on the ball, have a good eye for a pass and can all score in equal measure. Thanks to this, we are comfortable in allowing these 4 to roam around the pitch, not playing in their original positions but looking to give and go, receiving the ball in tight spaces and moving it on, constantly creating room for their teammates and keeping Portsmouth on their toes.
In Fabregas we have an effective playmaker with a superb passing range who will be looking to tick over possession until that killer ball, either defence splitting or over the top, presents itself.
Mkhitaryan, meanwhile, will be looking to use his acceleration and great dribbling qualities to provide the link between defence and attack. When in possession, he will look to play off the shoulder of Ibrahimovic as an SS.
In order for him to play this role, Fabinho will drop just in front of the two centre backs (who in turn spread out slightly) to negate any possible counter attacks.
With this rudimentary 3 at the back, Luis and Sidibe will have the freedom to push up and help in the attack. Sidibe will not push up very far, just enough to provide an outlet to keep possession, but Luis is superb on the ball and will be looking for room to make that trademark diagonal run in to the box and pull back for the goal.
Substitutions:
75 minutes: Perisic for Ribery and Bacca for Mkhitaryan - This will inject a bit of pace and stamina in to our side. From here, we will shift in to a 4-4-2 with Perisic and Pedro working hard defensively to ensure that our midfield is not overrun. Bacca will also take part in some heavy pressing, Okazaki style, to unsettle the Portsmouth defence.
80 minutes: Bernardo Silva for Pedro - Bernardo Silva is a very good creative player with lots of skill on either foot. He is also a hard working midfielder and will help our midfield 4 not to be overrun while also providing some superb balls from out wide for our two clinical strikers to finish.
posted on 10/12/16
---------------------- Neuer ------------------
Carvajal ----- Varane -- Hummels ---- Guerreiro
--------------------- Khedira -----------------
------------- Gundogan -- Matuidi --------
Costa ----------- Lewandowski ------------- Moura
Subs: Navas, Alves, Laporte, Fernandinho, Payet, Coman, Martial
4-3-3, aim to dominate the mf today as we feel that is Stoke's weakest area, very possession based as we play at a high tempo looking to get the front 3 in as much as possible stretching them with our pace and movement.
Look to control the game, as we advance our passing gets quicker and more direct. We look for avenues towards the flanks to create holes, wingers switch flanks to mix it up, fb’s overlap, runners from deep and service into the box.
High line, look to press higher up the pitch, quick on our feet as we look to narrow the options of any pass going forward, intensive pressing in mf and box them in with our attackers if they look to play out from the back.
When we press, press as a unit. High energy, organisation and aggression, cut off the supply by pressing the space and only allow them to play where we want them to. Man-mark and allow little time on the ball for their more creative based players to dictate or create.
As their wingers are more orthodox and less out and out wingers with pace, we feel they will look to cut in, keep them wide and down the line and bring a MF over to double up to prevent the threat.
If they look to go more counter attacking, our CDM and Carvajal sit in more than they might. Hummels man-marks their ST, we look to get to any 2nd balls quicker than the opposition.
Neuer quick off his line and mops up at the back, one of the best at operating in a system where we press higher up so will be alert to any danger and ensure we are controlling possession through his distribution.
Playing out from the back, we should be quick to bypass their initial phase of pressing, keep it simple but 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.
Matuidi being the box to box engine his is, will be the link between mf and attack. At times maraud and use his burst of energy to get us moving forward, also very physical and getting in their faces off the ball.
I want us very direct and moving the ball at a quick pace, 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.
Wingers today will provide plenty of width, stay wide and make sure we stretch the opposition. Allow the midfielders plenty of options going forward when on the ball through their movement, target their FB’s on a constant basis and get service into the front man from the flanks.
Defensively we transition into a 4-1-4-1 if we lose possession, two banks of four with a solid structure and organisation.
If they advance into dangerous areas or generally past the halfway line, we should look to drop deeper (10 men behind the ball) and crowd them out, press the space and options in the final 3rd. Midfield and wingers look to provide barriers, these barriers need to make it as difficult as possible to breach our defence, never shy away from defensive responsibilities and work as a unit.
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.
If we win the ball in higher areas, counter attack with pace. Use the flanks as a base and don't allow them to re-organise, hit them hard on the break using our ST as a target-man.
In attack we need to create as many lines as possible in midfield to counter their press, 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 in wide areas, have a right go at their backline, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still. Our FB’s should look to overlap depending on the flank with the other staying back, get the ball in the box with pace to create panic.
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 strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially, press from the front.
Subs:
70th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Fernandinho > Khedira
Martial > Moura
Like for like, stay compact defensively and hit them on the break if they flood forward.
70th minute – if draw - (4-5-1)
Coman > Costa
Payet > Moura
Fernandinho > Khedira
5 in MF, create as many lines as possible in mf and inject flanks with pace against tiring defenders, rigid in defence
70th minute - If losing (4-4-2)
Martial > Matuidi
Payet> Moura
Coman > Costa
4-4-2, two banks of four and looking to attack, very direct, Martial partners Lewa. Coman and Payet as wingers with support from FB's.
C – Neuer
FK’s – Gundogan / near - Lewandowski
Corners – Gundogan
Pens - Lewandowski
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