-----------------------Leno-------------------
--Juanfran---Sokratis---Umtiti---Bernat--
--------------Camacho----Verratti----------
---Candreva--------Lallana--------Gaitan--
-----------------------Cavani------------------
Subs: Hassan, Traore, Mussachio, Milner, Banega, Draxler, Mandzukic.

Nice and simple game plan, no pressure on us and a massive boost of confidence after a crucial win last weekend. We take the game to Chelsea, make it difficult for them to break us down and we don't give them anything easy in this game. These are the league champions so we work hard and make it tough.

The defence sit as a rigid and solid back 4. Sokratis picking up their main man up top with Umtiti sweeping in behind. Juanfran and Bernat squeeze in tight to allow no gaps for balls to be played in behind the defence at any cost. Camacho sits in front of this back 4, protects and steps in the way of any midfield runners. Verratti does the work in front of Camacho, hounding the midfielders down and working hard with his energy to press the ball. Lallana drops in to work alongside him and press the ball with his energy as well in order to win it back. Candreva and Gaitan also come and sit in a line alongside Camacho and Lallana, track full backs when necessary. Chelsea's full backs are certainly the weak links within their side, so we look to exploit this space out wide when and wherever possible. Cavani will also come and sit in, sticking close to the midfield so we can build up our attacks.

In transition, our wingers are pivotal to how we break away. Gaitan and Candreva have good pace in wide areas, so they have to break forward beyond their full backs and stretch the defence as often as possible.

Going forward, as we are rigid defensively and solid, we look to win the ball back, we stay rigid and we play short passes to take the pressure off, make Chelsea chase the ball and so we can build up our attacks. We have our full backs push forward and Camacho sits in alongside Sokratis and Umtiti as our play builds up from the back. Verratti is the link between the defence and midfield, using his energy and passing ability to get the ball into more threatening areas. Juanfran and Bernat will support our wingers. Bernat will overlap down the left as Gaitan will cut inside onto his right foot, so Bernat has the space to overlap. Juanfran will support Candreva and overlap whenever necessary. Lallana will work off Cavani and will work to find gaps in between the lines and use his good footwork to bypass midfielders. He needs to look to thread little balls through the defence for the runs of Cavani or the wingers running beyond the defence. Cavani's role is all about playing on the shoulder of the defenders, peeling away and looking to run in behind the defence when he can. Clinical finishing when we get the space in the area.

Subs:

Banega > Camacho, 80 mins
Draxler > Lallana, 80 mins
Mandzukic > Cavani, 85 mins

----------------------- Hart -------------------------
Ginter ------ Bartra ------ Toprak ------ Hector
---------- Carvalho --------- Brozovic ------------
---------------------- Gomes -----------------------
Cancelo ----------------------------------- Perotti
---------------------- Kelechi -----------------------

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 Toprak, 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. Toprak 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.

Ginter and Hector at fullback, both good defensively 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. .

We go with a midfield trio of Brozovic, Gomes 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, Gomes being the furthest forward as Brozovic 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. Gomes I want to support Kelechi as much as possible and look to play neat triangles between the wingers to set them free.

Cancelo and Perotti are both aggressive attack minded players, but also good defensively, 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 Kelechi and Gomes and each other in on goal. Cancelo will look to bomb down the line with the support of Ginter and look to fire in crosses whereas Perotti will look to use his skill to cut inside and harrass the defence with Gomes, When defending then get back and stop the wingers becoming an attacking threat.

Kelechiup 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. Kelechi 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 Cancelo, Gomes and Perotti

Captain - Jonas Hector
Penalties - Kelechi
Free kicks - Brozovic
Corners - Perotti

Subs
Subs -
Losing -
70 - Thorgan Hazard for Brozovic, 4123
80 - Hector to LM, Callum Wilson for Perotti
3412 with Gomes in beside Carvalho and Wilson up top

Winning -
70 Mins - Dendonker for Brozovic, a solid defensive mid to shore it up
80 Mins - Rojo for Perotti, he goes to LB and Cancelo and hector make up a straight wall of 5 in midfield
85 Mins - Wilson for Kelechi

Drawing -
70 Mins - Cornet for Perotti, Hazard for Gomes, Wilson for Kelechi

----------------------De Gea ----------------------
P.Lahm ---- Mustafi ---- Bonucci ---- Ricardo
------------ Busquets ---- P.Pogba -------------
Sanchez ------------- Alli -------------- Neymar
--------------------- Aguero ----------------------

Subs - Lafont, Boateng, Kessie, Gabriel, Sterling, Dybala, Benteke

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

Bonucci in beside Mustafi on this occassion Mustafi will man mark the CF. Mustafi 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. Bonucci 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.

Lahm and Ricardo at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Lahm and Ricardo are perfect for this . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. I want them to attack when in no danger so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. When 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 as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

Busquets to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Pogba v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and move into dangerous areas where he is best and force there players back, Pogba should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Dele Alli in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Alli is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero All three are good all round midfielders, But Busquets i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

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

Aguero 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. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He 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 Neymar and Sanchez .Pogba/Alli will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

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

Losing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Alli sit closer to Aguero
80 Mins - Boateng for Lahm, he goes into a 3 man back line and Sterling for Ricardo, he goes to LW and Neymar up top 343

Winning -
70 Mins - Kessie for Alli and switch with Pogba, more defensive type player
80 Mins - Benteke for Aguero, hold it up and stuff

Drawing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Alli
80 Mins - Gabriel Jesus for Aguero, goes to RW and Sanchez up front

City Bench Sorry

Lodygin, Rojo, Dendonker, Hazard, Cornet, Zielinski, Wilson

Balanced 4-3-3

Away from home, we go with a balanced side but one we think can dominate possession and control the game. The opposition like to go 4-4-2, we go with 3 in the middle, with the extra man looking to win the midfield battle. 3 cm with great work rates.

Up top Ronaldo comes in for his first game, on the other side we go with Correa who offers great work rate. Costa as well offers someone who will press from the front, giving freedom for Ronaldo to be at his best. Can on the left side, adding cover for Ronaldo.

We go with a hardworking team but with cbs and a cm trio that are all confident on the ball. We want to get the best out of Costa and Ronaldo.

Importantly we have a cm trio that are all strong on the ball. Going forward Can will tend to be the dm, sitting and offering cover against Brum who will likely have two strikers. The cm trio though are fluid, if the break is on the deepest sits.

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.

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 Brum 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 – Kampl - E.Can
A.Correa ----------------------- C.Ronaldo
------------------ D.Costa

Subs. Schmeichel, Otamendi, Ghoulam, Nzonzi, Pereyra, Sane, Giroud


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

We look to control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow rigid defensive unit, only allowing them to 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. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Ronaldo and Costa gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.

In a deep, narrow, rigid formation, in two lines of four, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Draw them in to positions where they can’t hurt us, and then try and win the ball back.

We always keep one fb back. We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks. Can sits in front, when we’re attacking we always have 3 defenders with the dm in front, offering plenty of defensive cover.

As Brum advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-4-2. Our Correa gets back, and Can fills in defensively on the left. We defend narrow if their fbs aren’t attacking, the midfielder on that side comes inside.

In the centre, Kampl presses the ball with Vidal covering. Likely one of their cms will be sitting deep covering, so one of Ronaldo or Costa will simply sit on him, take him out the game.

In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Vidal will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.

The winger opposite to the play coming narrow and deep next to him providing a further wall in between those pressing and the back four. Narrowing the play to the side Brum 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 wide forwards, 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 Vidal 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.

The cm trio look to control the play for us.

Javi has freedom to play long balls, over the top for our attackers, direct to Ronaldo or Costa. Stretch their team. If their defence drops deeper it gives us the ability to push up and dominate the game, if they keep a high line we can continue to try get in behind and find our attackers in space.

In possession, the defence push up playing a reasonably high line as all are comfortable in possession and have great pace with a dm offering further cover in front. The cm trio seeking to collect the ball from the defence, starting our attacks from the back.

The midfield should never be flat. The cm trio will look to pass the ball in triangles, always looking to go on further and provide another passing option.

Two of the cm trio have freedom to get forward at a time and look for space between their defence and midfield. One will look to get in the box when we’re getting balls in, the other hangs slightly further back, a few yards from the edge of the penalty box back, looking to get on any loose balls.

We want quick one twos in the opposition half. The cms 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 and Ronaldo have freedom to play their natural game.

Subs. If winning after 70 mins bring on Pereyra for Kampl. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Nzonzi for Correa. Pereyra to RW.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Can for Martinez. Fresh legs.

If drawing after 68 mins bring on Sane for Kampl. 4-2-2-2. Route one. Ronaldo and Costa up top.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Pereyra for Correa. Fresh pace.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Sane for Kampl 4-2-2-2. Route one. Ronaldo and Costa up top. Correa and Sane wings.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Pereyra for Correa. Can to Cb. Pereyra cm. Danilo RM, Kurzawa LM. 3-4-3

Arsenal vs Chelsea

injuries:
Welbeck,Hysaj,Marchisio,Buffon


………………………………….Butland………………………………..
…………………Barzagli….Romagnoli…Chiellini………………
De Sciglio…………….Wanyama……..Herrera……Gaya
………………….D.Silva……………………..James…………….
…………………………………..Higuain……………………………..

Subs: Macey, Rugani,Garay Valero, dier, Berardi, Michy B


Last league game before the Christmas break – we’re on a fantastic run of 3 league wins on the bounce, we need to keep it goin against an average and past their best Chelsea.

We as always will look to be solid through the middle – hold that ground and the rest should fall into place, The spine in our side is as good as anyones – and with a fair whack of creativity out-wide we’ll always be in with a chance…..Not looking at possession football today Chelsea will come at us so this is gonna be smash and grab at it’s finest, draw them on, pinch the ball and hit them hard and fast in the wide areas.

Our defence and DM is secure so this is all about holding firm and giving our match-winners the platform to find that bit of magic to unlock Fan’s defence – patience is key today, don’t go chasing it we have plenty of time…the squad is (mostly) battle hardened and we won’t panic if we find ourselves a goal down – we have champions in our spine and they will drive the others on. That will inspire their team-mates in tough uncompromising games such as this…. In fairness games don’t come much tougher than this and although we’re at home we’d take a point

The Defence:
Butland continues between the sticks due to the absence of Gigi – a very good young goal-keeper, certainly Englands long term #1 – has done very well at Stoke and will look to slot in behind a very well drilled defence – will collect what he feels confident in dealing with, anything else the shout goes up and my 3 CB’s will clear the lines. The 3 CB’s are vastly experienced we know that Fan likes to go 4-3-3 as much as he can and we’re happy to concede the wide ground – our defenders will HOLD position – Romagnoli will man-mark Kun Aguero – he’s bigger and stronger than him so rather than coming out to meet him, Roma will wait for Kun to come him and then use his physical advantages to rob the ball rather than try and out-run him. Chiellini and Barzagli will play LCB and RCB and again will hold the box – let Fans “wingers” come inside to us – show them the line and force the cross or the pull-back, Don’t go out-wide we’re they have the advantage – hold the line – stay solid and they shall not pass…if they do pass kick em right up in the air. We need to physically intimidate them, so any dirty little kicks elbows etc are actively encouraged

This system isn’t perfect by any means BUT against a 4-3-3 it’s all about numerical overloads – the 3 at the back matches up 1v1’s against their trident – but where we really gain is in the middle of the pitch and in my opinion that is the most crucial part – and where our numbers are most telling.

The Midfield:
Effectively a 6 man midfield vs Fan’s trident – defensively we can shut up shop and force him to try and play through us – offensively we should always have atleast one easy pass as he can’t cover all the angles without leaving himself exposed for a quick cross-field ball (this is a tactic we shall exploit a lot to turn his defence – can go from the CB’s or from WB to WB)
First things first De Sciglio and Gaya are there as defensive wide-midifelders not full-backs – they won’t be there to mark Fans wingers – we want them high and wide to track the runs of Fans full-backs – we want his front three as isolated as possible so De Sciglio and Gaya will continue to push up the pitch and force his FB’s to stay in defence….. Wanyama is in as my midfield destroyer nothing fancy – get the ball move it on – keep it simple..whoever goes in as Fan’s AM will have a shadow all afternoon – track him all over the pitch and hit him hard on his touch, don’t let him settle and don’t dictate the play. Herrera is more box to box, can pick a pass has a goal in him but does get stuck in – Wanyama sitting free Herrera to get right up with our twin #10’s giving us a 3vs2 advantage in the middle.
Silva and James are playing as #10’s this gives them the freedom to float about the pitch – they are our match-winners and key to the attacking numerical advantage that I was keen to play on….with De Sciglio and Gaya pushing high up the pitch – if these two go wide either Fan ignores my WB’s or he has to move his DM’s to counter it – this then leaves Herrera in space….if they play centrally then his DM’s will go 2v2 and again Herrera goes spare – Ideally they both drift wide creating as big a gap as possible for our runners to exploit. Both men are superb on the ball and with the vision and passing range they possess we should see a fair amount of chances created for Higgy to win us the game.

Higuain – playing up top on his own – but he’s good in the air and a proper goal poacher, we want him playing just off the shoulder of the last man – making the most of the sliding through balls from AM – will find it hard against a back 2 but we look to support him with heavy numbers


subs 70 mins

Michy B > Higuain
Valero > Herrera
Berardi > Silva

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 31. Chesney
5. Zabaleta — 28. Jones — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 17. KDB ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 11. Reus

SUBS: , 12. Smalling, 16. De Rossi, 16. Kovacic, 23. Eriksen, 42. Yaya, 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 KDB coming into the side bringing his directness with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield, adding a threat to their goal. 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 Jones 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 Jones will mark their striker tightly with Benatia sweeping behind if he does get through. KDB will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

Chesney 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, KDB 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 KDB, Robben and Coutinho to create and take chances.

SUBS:

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

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on 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 KDB 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 KDB. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Yaya in the middle and Robben on the right Coutinho on the left. Gameiro and Reus up front.

--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe------Matip-----Bertrand
--------Casemiro-------Pjanic
Mane--------------Ozil------------Di Maria
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Tah, Rudiger, Nainggolan, Firmino, Salah, Kane


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.


Pepe 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. 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. 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 - Salah for Mane and Firmino for Di Maria - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



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

If Losing



70 Mins - Kane, Tah and Radja for Wendell, Casemiro 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.

-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Walker--------Manolas-------Ake-------Verthonghen------Rose
------------------------Moutinho------------Florenzi----------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shaqiri-----------------------------------------------------------------Mertens
---------------------------------------Vardy-----------------------------------------

Subs - Zieler, Davies, Young, Sissoko, Hamsik, Rashford, Janssen

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

Up against rof who has recently signed CR7. He will be hard to stop but a very defensive counter attacking setup will help shackle him. I want there to be at least 2 players marking him when he has the ball and I want the centre backs to be vary of his runs infield.

Defence
I got a world class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. This defence consists of the Greek God Manolas. The Beast Incarnate, Nathan Ake and the Belgian Bazooka Verthonghen. With these 3 playing CB, they are the trye definition of "Thou shall not pass!" Stay deep and compact. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box.

Centre Mids
Moutinho + Florenzi
Thry will be in ultra defensive mode, covering for our players when they are out of position and marking the oppo AM and strikers. If one of the oppo players is lining up a shot from long range i want them to close him down and block the shot. Don't stray too far forward and if you have possession of the ball pass it to a teammate asap. Only job is to defend.

Wingers
Shaqiri + Mertens
Giving these 2 a start this week. Play quick passes and try and carve open the oppo defence with intricate play. Be ready for the counter attack as Shaqiri and Mertens are deadly on them. Shaqiri will be more focused primarily on beating the left back on the inside but he can also get to the byline to get a decent cross in. Confuse the oppo left back by twisting and turning and cut in and shoot you can. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.

Strike
Vardy
I want you 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.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 41212. Put on Janssen for Ake. Also bring on Young for Mertens and Hamsik for Moutinho. Play a high line and try and get a goal.

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take of Shaqiri and put on Davies in CB and play 6atb ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Rashford for Vardy aswell.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Vardy off for Rashford
Florenzi off for Hamsik
Mertens off for Young

--------------------Forster-------------------
Cedric-----Kompany---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

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

---------------------- Neuer ------------------
Carvajal ----- Varane -- Hummels ---- Guerreiro
--------------------- Khedira -----------------
------------- Gundogan -- Matuidi -----------
Moura ----------- Lewandowski ------------- Costa

Subs: Navas, Alves, Laporte, Fernandinho, Payet, Martial, Morata

4-3-3, aim to dominate the mf today and take advantage of the injuries Wolves have suffered, 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.

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 he 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:
65th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Fernandinho > Khedira
Martial > Moura (Costa RW, Martial LW)
Like for like, stay compact defensively and hit them on the break if they flood forward.

70th minute – if draw - (4-5-1)
Morata > Lewandowski
Martial > Moura (Costa RW, Martial LW)
Payet > Gundogan
5 in MF, create as many lines as possible in mf, Payet sits behind Morata in a free role looking to unlock their defence, stay rigid at the back.

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

C – Neuer
FK’s – Gundogan / near - Lewandowski
Corners – Gundogan
Pens - Lewandowski

————————Courtois
——Alderweireld—-Luiz—Koulibaly
Bellerin——-Rakitic——-Koke——-Marcelo
————Carrasco————Griezmann
———————Aubameyang

Subs: Bravo, Azpilicueta, Moses, Allan, Jorginho, Cuadrado, Loftus-Cheek

Up against a strong Stoke side who will be very strong but we can see a few potential weaknesses that we will look to try and exploit today. First and foremost we’ve gone for a solid defence, a back 3 who are powerful i the tackle, good in the air and quick along the ground in order to snuff out Stokes attacks, we then have a combative CM duo who will look to use their energy to control the game, in particular getting right in the face of Fabregas. This midfield area we can see as a weakness for Stoke, we need to move the ball about quickly as there will be space left by Cesc and co, whilst we will also look to get Sidibie on the back foot where he’s more uncomfortable, draw him out with Marcelo and get Griezmann running between him and the CB.

Today we defend as an 11 in that we will always be compact no matter where the play is, so if we are in their half the defence is pushed up and if we are in our half the forwards are back helping out in that they’ll be between the opposition CMs and CBs so that off the ball they help us defend by pressing them from behind, Carrasco with more responsibility so Griezmann can focus on getting close to Aubameyang. With the 3 CBs and line of 4 that are solid defensively it means that other than this pressing, the forwards can focus on getting forward and hurting the remaining Stoke defenders, looking to transition quickly before the Stoke midfield can form a block. As previously stated we stay as a group to make it compact, with Koke and Rakitic looking to use this to their advantage, it allows them to work in tandem to slow Stoke’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 Carrasco to do the pressing, these four working constantly, the WBs narrowing in to our compact unit to get a foot in and one forward dropping slightly deeper than the other two, with Alderweireld/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 striker’s 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 Stoke have the ball deeper we will look to press them into going wide as we can use our wing backs to good effect when we win the ball back, stretch the game and opening up room for the forwards.

If Stoke do get into wide areas we narrow to that side of the field with the WB and the CB on that side able to come out and defend against FB and winger, leaving two CBs to deal with the 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 looking to make inside runs. In these positions we can simply make things too compact to break through, Rakitic 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 Stoke 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 Griezmann will drop in closer to the CMs and we will simply shut up shop and wait for the ball back.

Like previously said the teams moves up the field as a unit so when we attack the CBs push up too, so we can make it hard for them to break. Alderweireld and Koulibaly will stretch out slightly so that there are no big gaps left by the WBs pushing up, with Rakitic 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. Koke and Rakitic keep the game ticking looking to use their creativity to transition the ball quickly, with one at a time having licence to join the front 3 and make it a 4. 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, Bellerin look to use his direct running and pace and movement to get in behind their defence. Marcelo can get the ball wide and then look to come infield with his trickery or by playing quick passes with the CMs or the attackers, his penetrating runs provide us with something different and we know their wide men won’t track our WBs which means he can focus on occupying Sidibie. That then leaves the front three, with Carrasco excellent at driving forward and squaring up defenders this means he’s the one that picks the ball up and crosses into the attacking third, looking to move around and link up with the WBs and link midfield to attack, also capable of penetrating the box, leaving Griezmann and Aubameyang the freedom to hurt Stoke’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 Griezmann or Aubameyan 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 Allan for Carrasco 70’, Rakitic into the AM position, Allan more defensive minded midfield. Jorginho for Koke 75’, shores midfield up with two hard working defensive box to box midfielders. Loftus-Cheek for Griezmann 85’, another powerful midfielder.

If Drawing: Azpilicueta and Moses for Alderweireld and Bellerin 65’, more offensive right side, Moses takes players on, Azpilicueta able to step out of the back 3 as a spare man and use his good crossing. Cuadrado for Carrasco 80’, extra speed late on against a tiring defence, a triple offensive down the right has worked for Juve before, why not us.

If Losing: Moses for Koulibaly 65’, 4-2-3-1 looking to get Moses and Carrasco out wide running at them, Griezmann floating around. Cuadrado for Bellerin 75’, Moses and Cuadrado take it in turns down the right, one taking the defender on, the other making a run outside him.

------------------------Leno---------------------
--Juanfran--Mussachio--Umtiti--Bernat----
-------------Dembele----Verratti--------------
---Candreva-------Lallana---------Gaitan-----
--------------------Mandzukic--------------------
Subs: Hassan, Traore, Evans, Bakayoko, Milner, Draxler, Sanabria.

Being the home side in the derby we must take full initiative and press this City side to take the 3 points, even if we get reduced to 10 men. We have the quality over City, so we need to take that to our advantage and make sure we take the points.

Defensively, we will sit with a solid back 4 line. Leno organising from goal and Mussachio leading the defence in the middle, making sure we are organised. Our full backs tuck in and remain rigid, to make it tough to break our defence down and to find the gaps. Dembele and Verratti also sit in front to protect as a pair, press the ball when they get it in attacking areas and look to set off quick counter attacks when we don't have the ball. Candreva and Gaitan sit alongside the next line of players which includes Lallana. This 3 will press the City midfield with pace and energy and look to rush passes. With Mandzukic being the target man up front, we can aim for him when clearing the ball as well as playing off. But the 3 in behind Mandzukic must press the City midfield well. We stay rigid and compact when defending and keep our shape well and make sure we retain our shape if stretched quickly to deny City the space.

Verratti and Dembele must control the midfield as a pair and use the ball well to initiate attacks as well as win the ball back. Lallana will do a lot of pressing through the middle as will Gaitan and Candreva to win the ball back. If our midfield press, the defence must follow and squeeze up as well to make sure we pin City in.

Going forward, we look to play short passes to build up momentum when we can. Our back 4 look to control the ball well and wherever possible and look to feed it into attacking areas. We have 2 good ball playing centre backs capable of performing this role when we have possession. Our full backs push on and support our wingers, but will play different roles. As mentioned above, Verratti and Dembele will look to take complete control of this game in midfield by keeping the ball well, initiating attacks and giving their midfield the run around. Dembele looks to drive forward when it is safe to do so, as he has the footwork and power to burst through the midfield and Verratti looks to use his energy to cover a lot of ground to support both the defence and attack when supplying passes. Candreva will hug the touchline on the right side. He will be an outlet so we can give their left back something to think about. Juanfran will also overlap Candreva as well to create that extra incentive down the right hand side and if City want their wingers to track, we make them track all the way and we really pin them in. Gaitan will operate on the left flank. He will look to cut inside to create better crossing angles and shooting angles for himself and other team mates. Bernat on the other hand will overlap as well and really push their winger back as there becomes space to attack on the left side. We must use our width and wingers effectively and make sure we aim for Mandzukic's head in the area, as he is the target. From crosses, Dembele also floods into the area as a late runner from deep as he has power and can also attack the ball. Lallana will hang around the edge of the area for 2nd balls and Verratti will position about 40 yards from goal in this case to be wary of counter attacks, or if not, ball retention so we can recycle possession and attack again. Mandzukic being the target man is the man to aim for from crosses. Not only that, but he must do a good job of bullying the defence, holding up the ball and bring others into play as often as he can.

Red card scenario:

At this point, we look to sit in, become rigid and compact, sit slightly deeper and hitting on the break when we can. We must use our width though when we break away because it will be crucial to stretch their defence on the break. But we make ourselves very difficult to break down and counter attack at speed and look to nick a goal on the break and steal the game. The subs will be:

GK: Hassan > Lallana
RB: Traore > Lallana
CB: Evans > Lallana
LB: Milner > Lallana
CM: Bakayoko > Lallana
RW: Gaitan switches to RW, Draxler > Lallana at LW.
AM: Stays the same, 4-4-1 formation
LW: Draxler > Lallana
ST: Sanabria > Lallana

Not sure if too late - no worries if they are - completely forgot which is unlike me

Hull - Karius, Gibson,Dahoud,Henrichs

Captain: Geis
Penalties: Werner (Driussi)
Free Kicks: Geis

-----------------------Horn
Weiser-------Stark----------Süle------Klostermann
--------------Geis-----------Keïta
Óliver---------------Schöpf-------------Gnabry
----------------------Werner

Subs: Hennessey, Augustinsson, Gerhardt, Asensio, Forsberg, Mor, Driussi


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

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Geis and Keïta 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 Keïta 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 Keïta’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Keïta 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 Óliver Torres, 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 Keïta, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

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

Very much like his comrades (Óliver, 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: Gerhardt on for Keïta
Gerhardt 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.

STOKE CITY v Liverpool

Line Up:

Rulli
Sidibe Marquinhos Savic Luis
Fabinho Witsel Wilshere
Mkhitaryan Fabregas
Ibrahimovic

Substitutes: Krul; Jedvaj; Herrera; Bernardo Silva; Ribery; Pjaca; Bacca

Captain: Ibrahimovic
Penalties: Ibrahimovic
Corners: Fabregas
Free Kicks: Fabregas

Game Plan:

Liverpool's threat comes primarily from the ridiculous amount of pace in their line up and, with injuries affecting our first team choices, we have decided to shift away from the usual formation to counter what will almost certainly be a compact Liverpool side with plenty of danger on the counter.

We are setting up in a 4321 formation in order to keep our midfield compact while also providing enough of a forward option to be a danger to Liverpool's back line.

OFF THE BALL:

The key to our game will be organisation. When the team is out of possession, they press ferociously, as a unit, to win it back. However, if they manage to keep the ball in the face of the pressure for 10 seconds, we must be quick to transition in to a deeper formation to cover gaps in our back line and to start the pressing game again. By pressing in 10 second spurts before reforming deeper and waiting to move forward again, we can conserve our energy and make sure that we can keep pressing for the whole 90 minutes.

Once back into position, they look for triggers to start their pressing. Like, the ball towards the right-back is a trigger of the left winger to begin the pressing. The left-winger’s pressing is a trigger for the attacking midfielder and the rest of the team of what is their role in this pressing.

The positioning of our players in this pressing game is important - we want every player to know exactly where he needs to be and what his role is.

We want to keep our players as close to theirs throughout the game as possible. We don't want to give them time to relax on the ball and think about where the next pass is going and force them to play with their backs to goal. We want to crowd the pitch, effectively splitting the playing surface in to halves and quadrants, and dictate where they can pass the ball and when.

Liverpook are a good ball-playing team so we have contingencies if they break through the first line of pressing. If the ball gets out to the full back, we make it a 3-on-1 scenario, with the closest player challenging for the ball and the 2nd and 3rd closest players looking to close off the passing lanes. The only option for the full back is backwards. In addition, our entire formation shifts across to plug any gaps in the line and effectively cut off a third of the pitch, making the switch impossible.

If the ball hits the midfield, their attempt will be to get the ball to the forward players are quickly as possible. The first way to stop this is to keep their back to goal, they can’t see the forwards that way. If we are pressing them with their back to goal, we will very rarely get turned (provided the other players close down the passing lanes) and this results usually in a turnover.

The midfielder is in the same dilemma as the defenders here about whether to dribble/pass forward and risk a turnover or pass the ball back and break down the move. The most important part to consider here is that the defenders and midfielders have only a second or two to think this before the ball is taken off them and thus finding the right pass isn’t easy.

If the ball makes it all the way to the front line, somehow, then we drop back deep and defend as a unit, plugging all gaps and not allowing them the space and time to work their way through. At no time do we want them to be in a one-on-one situation in our own half. We must double team them all game so that they can't make use of their technical ability. Even the best players in the world struggle to break through a wall of 10 men and, from here, we can look to spring an instant counter with pace of our own.


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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 an provide the pace going forward to keep Liverpool's defence on their toes.

Due to the nature of Liverpool's play, our defence will stay reserved, with Witsel also looking to hold in front which will allow Wilshere and Fabinho to get forward in to the mix where they can unlock defences and get in among the goals. Our full backs will only provide support as an outlet to restart the attack, they will not look to bomb forward today.


Substitutions:

70 minues: Ribery for Fabregas: Ribery is very adept at unlocking defences himself and his tenacity, pace, directness and finishing ability could prove crucial late on.

75 minutes: Herrera for Wilshere: One industrious midfielder for another, Herrera will be looking to get stuck in to that midfield battle right away.

80 minites: Bacca for Ibrahimovic: Give the big man a rest, bring on another clinical striker with a bit more pace to cause some problems for the Scousers.

Portsmouth v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injured: Galloway, Schurrle, Mata, Cahill

Ter Stegen
Vrsaljko - Howedes - Lovren - Monreal
Cazorla - Schweinsteiger
Bernardeschi - Rooney - Keita Balde
Lukaku

Subs: Begovic, De Marcos, Williams, Gustavo, Schneiderlin, Lanzini, Embolo

-----------------

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 get as many points as we can. Ter Stegen in goal, Vrsaljko, Howedes, Lovren and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield, Bernardeschi, Rooney and Keita Balde 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 Rooney ahead of them, 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 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.

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.

Howedes/Lovren - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Lovren 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/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/Schweinsteiger/Rooney. 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/Keita Balde - 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/Rooney, 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.

Rooney - Rooney 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/Keita Balde/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/Keita Balde/Rooney on occasion.

------------------

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Rooney off, Gustavo on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Gustavo alongside Cazorla and Schweinsteiger in midfield.

If drawing: Bernardeschi off, Embolo on. Embolo replaces Bernardeschi like for like. Same system with pace, power and fresh legs out wide to get at the tiring Portsmouth defence.

If losing: Vrsaljko and Schweinsteiger off, Lanzini and Embolo on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Howedes, Lovren and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Rooney - Lanzini - Keita Balde behind a front two of Embolo and Lukaku. Push for goals.

---------------------- De Gea ---------------------
P.Lahm ---- Caldara ---- Bonucci ---- Ricardo
------------ Busquets ----- L.Modric ------------
Sanchez ------------ Pogba ------------ Neymar
---------------------- Aguero ----------------------

Lafont, Mustafi, Kessie, D.Alli, Gabriel, Dybala, Benteke

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

Bonucci in beside Caldara on this occassion Caldara will man mark the CF. Caldara 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. Bonucci 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.

Lahm and Ricardo at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Lahm and Ricardo are perfect for this . They will look to keep them away from shooting areas where is dangerous in any position. This is a vital clash in this game. They will be up against quality wingers so look to force him away from goal and backwards. I want them to attack when in no danger so time these runs perfectly. One sits back a bit and allowing the other to attack, this is keeping a 3 at the back at all times. Their marking abilities are sound, both have good positional sense and very quick, do not make rash desicions and will stay on their feet. Both FBs can attack. When 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 as there fullbacks get dragged out of position.

Busquets to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Busquets himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Modric v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and move into dangerous areas where he is best and force there players back, Modric should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease, one of the best imo, his vision is top class. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Pogba in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Pogba is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into Aguero All three are good all round midfielders, But Busquets i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

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

Aguero 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. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He 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 Neymar and Sanchez .Pogba/Ricardo will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

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

Losing -
70 Mins - Dybala for Pogba, he sits right up on Aguero as the two go for goal
80 Mins - Benteke for Aguero, big guy to aim for, Alli for Ricardo

Lahm to CB in a 3412, Alli at No.10

Winning -
70 Mins - Kessie for Modric to shore it up
80 Mins - Benteke for Aguero

Drawing -
70 Mins - D.Alli for Pogba, Dybala for Aguero, two young lads with fresh legs to push on.
80 Mins - Gabriel for Sanchez

------------------- K.Darlow ---------------------

Cancelo ---- Ginter ---- Zouma ---- J.Hector

------- Brozovic - Carvalho - A.Gomes -------

Walcott ----------- Icardi ------------- Perrotti

Wellenruether, Bartra, Cataldi, Chadli, Calhanoglu, Promes, Balotelli

In goal Karl Darlow, 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.

Ginter beside Zouma, on this occassion Ginter 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 good defensively 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. Both FBs can attack. One goes the other stays as they look to make an extra man down the flank by overlapping our wingers allowing them to cut inside or play neat one twos to free the wingers up. .

We go with a midfield trio of Brozovic, Gomes 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, Gomes being the furthest forward as Brozovic 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. Gomes I want to support Icardi 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 players, but also good defensively, 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 Icardi and Gomes and each other in on goal. Walcott will look to bomb down the line with the support of Cancelo and there pace will cause a lot of problems and look to fire in crosses whereas Perotti will look to use his skill to cut inside and harrass the defence with Gomes, When defending then get back and stop the wingers becoming an attacking threat.

Icardi 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. Icardi 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, Cancelo, Gomes and Perotti

Captain - Jonas Hector
Penalties - Icardi
Free kicks - Brozovic
Corners - Perotti

Subs
Losing
70 Mins - Hakan for Brozovic and move up jand play juts off Icardi, he will take free kicks
75 Mins - Balotelli for Perrotti go a very high line with Walcott, Icardi, Balotelli up top
82 Mins - Cancelo to RM, Hector to CB, Quincy Promes for Walcott, he goes to LM - 3-4-1-2

Winning -
70 Mins - Cataldi for Brozovic to give fresh legs in the centre.
80 Mins - Balotelli for Icardi, Batra for Walcott, Bartra to RB and Cancelo to RM and the two wingers make it a flat 5 man mid

Drfawing -
70 Mins - Balotelli for Icardi, Promes for Perrotti, Hakan for Walcott

Wimmer, Bailey, Gnabry, Friend

Captain: Geis
Penalties: Werner (Driussi)
Free Kicks: Geis

----------------------------Horn
Klostermann----Stark----------Süle------Henrichs
------------------Geis-----------Dahoud
Óliver-------------------Schöpf-------------Forsberg
--------------------------Werner

Subs: Karius, Weiser, Biglia, Keïta, Asensio, Mor, Driussi


Our defensive unit consists of Niklas Stark and Niklas Süle paired up at centre-back, Benjamin Henrichs at left-back and Lukas Klostermann at right-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 Óliver Torres, Alessandro Schöpf and Emil Forsberg 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.

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

Very much like his comrades (Óliver, Schöpf & Forsberg), 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: Keïta on for Dahoud
Keïta 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.

---------------------Forster--------------------
Cedric-----van Dijk-----Kompany-----Blind
---------------Matic-------Kante---------------
Willian-------------Gotze---------------Turan
-------------------Lacazette-------------------

Farinez, Kolarov, Savic, Boufal, Munir, Dembele, Gabbiadini

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

Kompany takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst van Dijk picks up the CF. While van Dijk is picking up the CF, Kompany takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from van Dijk or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. van Dijk must make desicions quickly to where he has to be and not make rash desicions, that is where Kompany helps him. They attack all high balls, they must stick tight as we are playing two attacking fullbacks, Both top class with the ball, so if they are feeling comfortable then move out with the ball. Both go up for corners and frre kicks as they are both very dangerous in the opposition box. Matic sits in with the fullbacks 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 are Winning - Kolarov will come on for Turan on 70 minutes and Dembele for Lacazette the same time
On 80 minutes Savic will come on for Gotze and play beside Kante and Matic

If we are Losing Dembele will come on for Gotze on 70 minutes and we go 442 with Boufal for Turan and Munir for Cedric coming on on 80 minutes, play 3 at the back Munir willplay behind the strikers

If we are drawing Boufal for Turan and Dembele for Lacazette on 75 minutes

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Alderweireld — 4. Benatia — 33. Cresswell
————— 34. Coquelin —— 29. Xhaka
10. Robben ————— 17. KDB ————— 11. Reus
———————————— 9. Benzema

SUBS: 1. Oblak, 28. Jones, 16. De Rossi, stroots, Son, 42. Yaya, 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 KDB coming into the side bringing his directness with him, helping to dominate the middle of the park against a strong midfield, adding a threat to their goal. 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 Alderweireld 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 Alderweireld will mark their striker tightly with Benatia sweeping behind if he does get through. KDB will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

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

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Zabaleta and Cresswell 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, KDB 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.

Benzema 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 KDB, Robben and Reus to create and take chances.

SUBS:

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

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on 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 KDB will dominate from behind Reus as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Reus to the left.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Gameiro for KDB. Attacking 4-4-2 with Xhaka and Yaya in the middle and Robben on the right Reus on the left. Gameiro and Benzema up front.

--------------------Lloris
Clyne-----Pepe------Godin-----Bertrand
-----------------Krychowiak
-----------Radja------------Pjanic
Mane----------------------------------Firmino
-------------------Suarez
Subs
Patricio, Matip, Gaspar, Casemiro, Di Maria, Salah, Kane


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.

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.


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

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



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



Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Suarez work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a run at the ball, Mane and Firmino 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. Radja takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, he will also occasionally provide the short corner 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 - Casemiro for Radja - 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 - Salah for Mane and Di Maria for Firmino - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



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

If Losing



70 Mins - Kane, Matip and Di Maria for Bertrand, Krych 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.

If a red card occurs, we go to a 4-4-1 formation with Krychowiak being the sacrificial lamb to cover the position we lost the player in, unless it is himself or one of the other centre mids.

-----------------------Zoet-------------------
--Juanfran---Sokratis---Umtiti---Bernat--
--------------Bakayoko----Verratti----------
---Candreva--------Lallana--------Draxler--
-----------------------Cavani------------------
Subs: Hassan, Tete, Mussachio, Milner, Banega, Suarez, Sanabria.

Nice and simple game plan, no pressure on us and a massive boost of confidence after a crucial win last weekend. We take the game to Villa, make it difficult for them to break us down and we don't give them anything easy in this game. These are one of the leagues strongest sides so we work hard and make it tough.

The defence sit as a rigid and solid back 4. Sokratis picking up their main man up top with Umtiti sweeping in behind. Juanfran and Bernat squeeze in tight to allow no gaps for balls to be played in behind the defence at any cost. Camacho sits in front of this back 4, protects and steps in the way of any midfield runners. Verratti does the work in front of Bakayoko, hounding the midfielders down and working hard with his energy to press the ball. Lallana drops in to work alongside him and press the ball with his energy as well in order to win it back. Candreva and Draxler also come and sit in a line alongside Bakayoko and Lallana, track full backs when necessary. Chelsea's full backs are certainly the weak links within their side, so we look to exploit this space out wide when and wherever possible. Cavani will also come and sit in, sticking close to the midfield so we can build up our attacks.

In transition, our wingers are pivotal to how we break away. Draxler and Candreva have good pace in wide areas, so they have to break forward beyond their full backs and stretch the defence as often as possible.

Going forward, as we are rigid defensively and solid, we look to win the ball back, we stay rigid and we play short passes to take the pressure off, make Chelsea chase the ball and so we can build up our attacks. We have our full backs push forward and Bakayoko sits in alongside Sokratis and Umtiti as our play builds up from the back. Verratti is the link between the defence and midfield, using his energy and passing ability to get the ball into more threatening areas. Juanfran and Bernat will support our wingers. Bernat will overlap down the left as Draxler will cut inside onto his right foot, so Bernat has the space to overlap. Juanfran will support Candreva and overlap whenever necessary. Lallana will work off Cavani and will work to find gaps in between the lines and use his good footwork to bypass midfielders. He needs to look to thread little balls through the defence for the runs of Cavani or the wingers running beyond the defence. Cavani's role is all about playing on the shoulder of the defenders, peeling away and looking to run in behind the defence when he can. Clinical finishing when we get the space in the area.

Subs:

D. Suarez > Lallana, 75 mins
Milner > Bernat, 80 mins

Chelsea v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries: Williams, Galloway, Gustavo, Lanzini

Ter Stegen
Vrsaljko - De Vrij - Howedes - Monreal
Cazorla - Kondogbia
Bernardeschi - Mata - Schurrle
Lukaku

Subs: Begovic, Cahill, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Keita Balde, Rooney, Long

-----------------

Very tough game today against Chelsea, 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 Chelsea are a very good side and we want to make sure we get as many points as we can. Ter Stegen in goal, Vrsaljko, De Vrij, Howedes and Monreal in defence, Cazorla and Kondogbia 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. Chelsea 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 Kondogbia, 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 Chelsea 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.

De Vrij/Howedes - Howedes to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and De Vrij 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 Kondogbia 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 Chelsea 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/Kondogbia/Mata. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Cazorla/Kondogbia - Cazorla playing the box to box role, assist Kondogbia in dealing with the Chelsea attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Kondogbia stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Kondogbia 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 Chelsea 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/Kondogbia/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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/Kondogbia when under pressure and make a 4-5-1. Get behind Lukaku on occasion.

Lukaku - you will be expected to occupy the Chelsea 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/Schurrle/Mata on occasion.

------------------

Subs 70 mins:
If winning or drawing: Mata off, Schneiderlin on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Schneiderlin alongside Cazorla and Kondogbia in midfield.

If losing: Vrsaljko and Kondogbia off, Rooney and Long on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of De Vrij, Howedes and Monreal, Cazorla the playmaker, Bernardeschi - Rooney - Mata - Schurrle behind a front two of Long and Lukaku. Push for goals.

-----------------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
Walker-----------Manolas--------Verthonghen-----------Davies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------Moutinho----------Goretzka------------------------------------
Shaqiri--------------------------------------------------------------------------Nolito
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Vardy------------------Mertens-----------------

Subs - Zieler, Shawcross, Sissoko, Mario, Florenzi, Fekir, Rashford

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

Playing Fud this week. With Mahrez out injured for Spurs we have a golden opportunity to get the 3 points here.

This 4222 formation is solid in defence but also very attacking with 2 strikers up front and 2 wingers. I want us to play high up and to not give the Spurs attackers any room to breath. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move footbal. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the Spurs defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

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
Moutinho + Goretzka
Hamsik and Goretzka will play a b2b role. When Moutinho 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. Moutinho 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 + Mertens
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 Rashford for Nolito. Also bring on Nasri for Moutinho 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
Mertens off for Rashford
Goretzka off for Sissoko
Nolito off for Nasri