WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Brighton

Injuries: Rulli, Strootman, Lucas, Immobile

-------------------- Ter Stegen
------------ Mustafi - Pepe - Cahill
Cancelo - Jorginho - Drinkwater - Hector
--------------- D Silva - R Sanches
------------------- Aubameyang

Subs: Semper, Cuadrado, Kenedy, Xhaka, D Costa, Son, Wilson

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

A tough but winnable game today against Brighton, hopefully our back three will keep their attack at bay while causing problems of our own to their defence.

We are playing a 3-4-2-1 today, Ter Stegen in goal, Mustafi, Pepe and Cahill in the back three, Cancelo and Hector as wingbacks, Jorginho and Drinkwater anchoring the midfield, with David Silva and Renato Sanches in attacking midfield roles off of Aubameyang upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Brighton are strong and our best hope is to be strong, disciplined and keep our concentration levels at maximum.

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 Aubameyang.

Mustafi/Pepe/Cahill - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Pepe to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Two of you go forward for setpieces.

Cancelo/Hector - Both of you to force the Brighton 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 five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Silva and Sanches 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 Aubameyang and link with Jorginho/Drinkwater. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Jorginho/Drinkwater - Jorginho playing the box to box role, assist Drinkwater in dealing with the Brighton attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Drinkwater stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Drinkwater to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Jorginho to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Silva/Sanches - Playing at AM, both with the trickery to beat the Brighton fullback and get crosses in, you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Aubameyang with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Jorginho/Drinkwater, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang's presence will create for you.

Aubameyang - you will be expected to occupy the Brighton 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 Silva and Sanches on occasion. Try and link with those two to create opportunities.

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

Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Sanches off, Xhaka on. 5-3-1-1, wingbacks to fullback, Xhaka in midfield alongside Drinkwater and Jorginho, Silva behind Aubameyang.

If drawing: Mustafi and Sanches off, Heung-Min Son and Douglas Costa on. Change to 4-2-3-1, Cancelo - Pepe - Cahill - Hector, Drinkwater and Jorginho in midfield, Son - D Silva - D Costa behind Aubameyang upfront.

If losing: Drinkwater, Mustafi and Cahill off, Callum Wilson, Heung-Min Son and Douglas Costa on. 3-1-4-2, Cancelo - Pepe - Hector, Jorginho the playmaker, Son - D Silva - R Sanches - D Costa behind Aubameyang and Wilson upfront. Push for goals.

Swapping the injured Wanyama for Krychowiak

------------------ Cech
Cedric - Musacchio - Sokratis - Robertson
------- --- - Krychowiak - Fellaini
--------------------Payet
Callejon ------------Falcao -------------- Richarlison

Subs: Trapp, Glik, Zabaleta, Schneiderlin, Lallana, Lingard, Gabbiadini

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

Stepped in this week so we can stop Marky playing with himself, once we've done that we have to focus on stopping Wolves, then hitting them quickly with our pace behind their WBs.

Back 4 will be narrow to each other when defending with Fellaini and Krychowiak plugging the gaps, using their physical presence and essentially just taking up as much room as possible to limit the space for the opposition. When defending centrally we can keep narrow, have our back 4 together and DMs in front, with Payet nipping around the middle to put pressure on the ball. Our front three stay up, wingers stretch wide and keep free for counters. When the opposition stretch the play triangulate with ball side DM, FB and Payet, block the route central, rest of the defence shuffling across, staying as a group.

Cech - Distribute quickly, looking for the wingers when they are free, if not out to the FBs.

Musacchio/Sokratis - Sokratis to mark their striker, don't get too tight, give just enough room to judge the strikers move so he can't run in behind or roll you for pace. Musacchio 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 Krychowiak to deal with the AM. When in possession look first to go direct into the wingers, and second to split the lines and find Payet. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Cedric/Robertson - Narrow to the CBs today, make sure there's no space between for their half space players to run into. When you go out to face their WBs show them on to their weaker foot, but stand up to them, never dive in, force them to have to take you on to find space. Robertson can go forward when we have the ball, looking to allow Richarlison more freedom infield. Cedric stays back.

Payet/Krychowiak/Fellaini - Two absolute bruisers in the midfield today to stop the opposition half space players having their freedom, bully them out of the game, always in their way. Payet using his energy to nip away at the ball carrier. When we counter Krychowiak and Fellaini keep their discipline. Payet will look to make himself free between the lines and then supply a spark and the forwards. When we keep sustained possession Fellaini can get in the box and make a nuisance of himself.

Callejon/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Wolves WBs and get crosses in. However main aim today is to make themselves available on the counter when the WB is out of position, isolate the wide CBs and beat them in 1 v 1s, with the opposite side winger able to attack the box.

Falcao - He's a predator and that's what we need today, constant movement, whilst the wingers draw the Wolves defence, Falcao will look to find space in the box and take his chances.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Payet off, Schneiderlin on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Fellaini alongside Krychowiak and Schneiderlin in midfield.

If losing: Fellaini and Robertson off, Lallana and Lingard on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Cedric - Sokratis - Musacchio, Krychowiak the holder, Callejon - Lallana - Payet - Lingard behind a front two of Richarlison and Falcao. Push for goals.

STOKE CITY v Newcastle United

Injuries: Passlack, Chilwell, Lemar, Jankto

------------------------- Rico
Bernardo - Issa Diop - Zouma - Jorge
------- Kovacic - Diawara - Fornals
G Martins ------- Schick ------- Rashford

Subs: Woodman, Elvedi, Gnagnon, Soler, M Lopez, Amiri, Saint-Maximin

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Newcastle side, I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Schick to finish.

Playing a 4-3-3/4-5-1, Rico in goal, Bernardo, Diop, Zouma and Jorge across the back, Kovacic, Diawara and Fornals in midfield, and Gelson Martins and Rashford either side of Schick upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Newcastle have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Kovacic, Diawara and Fornals, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Martins at RW and Rashford at LW both able to use their creativity and pace, and get at the Newcastle defence with Bernardo and Jorge overlapping. Schick 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.

Rico - 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 Schick.

Diop/Zouma - Zouma to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Diop 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 Diawara 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.

Bernardo/Jorge - Both of you to force the Newcastle 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 Martins and Rashford 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 Schick and link with Kovacic/Diawara/Fornals. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Kovacic/Diawara/Fornals - Kovacic and Fornals playing the box to box roles, assist Diawara in dealing with the Newcastle attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Diawara stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Diawara to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Kovacic to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others. Fornals to get forward and provide a physical threat alongside Schick whenever crosses come into the area.

Martins/Rashford - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and pace to beat the Newcastle 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 Schick with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Kovacic/Diawara/Fornals, and capitalise on the space Schick's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Schick - you will be expected to occupy the Newcastle 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 Martins/Rashford on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Schick off, Elvedi on. Change to a 5-3-2, Elvedi the extra CB, Martins and Rashford form the front two when we have the ball but almost drop to 5-5-0 without the ball to frustrate Newcastle.

If losing: Diop and Fornals off, Amiri and Saint-Maximin on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Bernardo - Zouma - Jorge, Diawara the playmaker, Martins - Amiri - Kovacic - Saint-Maximin behind a front two of Rashford and Schick. Push for goals.

Leicester vs Hull - Cup

4-3-3 Total Football

A quick and direct game centred around numerical supremacy and the idea of overwhelming the opposition based on the speed of our transitions and pace. We feel we can get in between the lines against them and out number them when we get forward.

High tempo football played at pace. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Attacking at pace down the wings.

Everyone attacks, everyone defends. Well everyone attacks bar the cbs and Kante. Pure pace in our front four, with Asensio advancing to play off the forwards in possession. Kante keeps it simple in possession, Can the box to box cm moving with the side to build attacks. Asensio the creative force in midfield.

We look to play our usual game and take the game to Hull, passing out from the back and with an energetic midfield trio. Find space in between the opposition lines. Knock the ball about the opposition, tiring them out, and allowing us to push players forward into attack. Isolate their attacking players.

Both fbs bomb forward , providing our wingers creative freedom in attack, let them find space. The fbs offer width, allowing our attackers to support each other and overload the opposition cbs. Fbs and wingers both look to get balls into the box, use Belotti's strength in the air.

As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.

Kante the dm reading the play looking to win the ball back, Can offers another strong defensive player next to him with Asensio's energy also important for pressing. Get Asensio on the ball and looking to play neat one twos in between the lines to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking trio. Can's power going forward adding a further element to our attack.


---------------- Schmeichel
Odriozola - Ramos - Romagnoli - G.Arana
-------------- Kante --- E.Can
----------------- M.Asensio
-- Guedes ----------------------- E.Hazard -
------------------- Belotti

Subs. Pereira, Otamendi, Thiago, Alena, Vitolo, Ronaldo, Sturridge

Defence

We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

We defend in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Asensio drops to LM. Guedes RM. Allow Hazard the freedom of staying further forward. Hazard he sits on the deepest cm of the midfielders.

Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact 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. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create. Their great dribblers and so if they beat a man, they'll run into another. The wide midfielders will track any forward runs made by their fbs/wbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through, Can pressing the ball.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. The winger opposite play comes inside and picks up the other cm.

As we drop deeper we are really compact. No space in between the lines. Isolate their attackers and force them to take risks.

Attack

We will counter using our pace to break where possible, where it's not we build possession from the back. The defenders will be a bit more patient on the ball taking care with their passing. When the midfielders get the ball they look to move it quickly, playing quick one twos or spreading the play to our wingers/forwards.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported by Kante and fbs pushing on that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines.

Can seeks to support Can where possible. Then work the ball wide. Can then advances in line with Asensio, who will also have one of the wingers deeper next to him. The two fbs continue to progress offering an option wide.

These players will look to find spaces in between the Hull lines. As we progress to this next line Kante stays in the dm position. Looking to push more players further forward as we progress, the fbs looks to overlap the wingers. Asensio and Can seeking to link up with the fbs and wingers.
We let our attackers play natural game in the final third. Create chances and score. Simple.

Subs. If winning after 66 mins bring on Thiago for Asensio and Vitolo for Guedes. Fresh legs and pace in important areas. Both are also very strong defensively so can put in a shift.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ronaldo for Belotti and Alena for Can. Thiago to deeper cm.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Ronaldo and Thiago for Belotti and Can.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Alena for Asensio. Fresh creativity.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Thiago and Ronaldo for Can and Guedes. Ronaldo and Belotti strikers, Hazard free role behind.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Vitolo for Arana.

Villa vs Blues (cup game)

Injuries:
Franck Kessie
Ryan Kent
Jorg Mere
Alex Iwobi HG


……………………………………Oblak……………………..
…………….Jones…………Godin…….Luiz……….
……………………Gagliardini….Pellegrini……….
Di Maria…………………..Hamsik…………….Griezmann
………………………..Cavani………..Higuain………………………

Subs: Leno, Manolas, Mere, Modric, Robben, Candreva, Marchisio


cup game against our arch-rivals the bluenose blouses. Not sure which bus Nadz will be parking so we’re going out to play on the front foot, take the game to them, if it’s a packed defence we have the personnel to break them down, if they come to play football we have the defensive strength and discipline to absorb the pressure and hit them on the counter.

Oblak does what he does, no need for much instruction to be given, won’t let us down.

The three-Cb’s are all capable, none will be pushing on today, they’ll have to show restraint and hold the line Odin (he’s a Norseman now) will captain the side and look after the central striker allowing Jonah (or the whale) and sideshow Bob to deal with Blouse wingers – don’t dive in just jockey them and step in when the balls winnable.

Gagliardini and Pellegrini will both sit and effectively give us a back 5, keep it tight and shut Blouse out of the game, with the ball keep it simple, we pretty much have a front five so these two should always have a “relatively” easy ball on to play, we want to keep the ball and take the sting out of this game before going through the gears and hitting Blues hard when the chance arises.

Hamsik is in as the #10 today, nice range of passing and a threat shooting from distance, will drop deeper today to collect the ball and drive us forwards, some nice easy balls to the channels for our wingers or a sexy through ball for our front two to capitalise on. Defensively will sit on the DM blocking off and easy out-pass for the defence.

Di Maria is a pure winger for us today get it out wide and burn the full-back for pure pace, has two 6 footers in the box to aim at so heads up and bang those crosses in, Defensively sits on the LB to cut off any short crisp passes or throws down that flank.

Griezmann is more inside forward looking to drift and in interchange with Hamsik, should have some dirty little one-two’s on the edge of the box looking to draw the Blues defence out.

Cavani is a pure engine, runs none-stop, will keep moving and harrying the defence, don’t let them settle on their game, he’s like a Tevez that can finish. Higuain is just our goal-hanger, come back far enough to just stay onside, conserve ya energy for those tap in Terry toe-pokes.


Subs – 65 mins

Robben > Hamsik – this then facilitates

Robben……..Griez……..ADM


Marchisio & Modric > Gags and Pelle

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v Newcastle (Cup)

Injuries:
Vincent Kompany, Serge Aurier, Moussa Dembele, Kelechi Iheanacho, Bakayoko (sus)

------------------------ K.Navas ------------------------
---------- Boateng –- Chiellini -– Van Dijk ----------
D.Alves ------ Matuidi -–-- Verratti ----- Rodriguez
-------- T.Lemar -------------------- L.Sane ---------
----------------------- A.Morata -----------------------

Subs:
Forster, Keane, Kolarov, Fabregas, Coman, Willian, M.Dembele

Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: Rodriguez
Penalties: Verratti
Corners: Rodriguez

We go with a side packed full of quality, strong at the back with Boateng RCB, Chiellini CB, van Dijk LCB whilst D.Alves and Rodriguez occupy the wingback roles in a back 5. Matuidi and Verratti for a dominant CM pairing whilst the pacey Sane and Lemar occupy the wide forward roles with Morata playing through the middle.

Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas – Fantastic shot stopping keeper whose job is to distribute from the back with a plethora of options in front of him. He can go short to the ball playing Centre halves, distribute to the flying full backs or play it wide with Sane and Lemar waiting in the wings. On occasion we will go long to Morata to utilise his brilliant aerial ability. Come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces.

Centre Backs – We go with a back three today. All offering a very physical commanding presence with Boateng and van Dijk offering superb pace and athleticism which will be integral in eliminating the threat posed by the pace of the opposition. Chiellini will play through the middle and pick up the striker, sticking tight and giving no room to manoeuvre. If the opposition go with two up top than the right and left centre backs will mark with Chiellini cleaning up behind. We anticipate our opposition playing a front 3, we will sit deep and eliminate the ball in behind, we will force the opposition to play in front of us. Boateng and van Dijk will offer support to the full backs, dropping into the space out wide when we our on the attack and using their pace to stop the counter attack. With two extremely comfortable ball players in Boateng and van Dijk we are not afraid to bring the ball out from the back. Draw the opposition on to us and exploit the space left in with our flying wingers pushing forward.

Full Backs – Two solid full backs who's focus today will be on defending. The opposition have fantastic wingers so the primary focus will be to drop back when not in possession, create a rigid back 5, the centre halves play close together leaving no space in or around our box. We force the wingers out wide, make them play down the line and do not allow them to come inside. If the opposition play with inverted wingers this will severely negate their ability to come inside and shoot as they will be forced to go down the line and cross with their weaker foot. Our commanding centre halves will deal with any balls into the box. When in possession the full backs have license to push forward and offer width, although only one will push forward at a time with the other offering cover in defence. They will be tasked with whipping balls into the box to the frontman and targeting Morata who is a deadly threat in the air.

Central Midfield – In the centre we have two fantastic energetic midfielders. Matuidi athleticism is integral to how we play, covering every blade of grass in the middle he will be tasked with breaking down the oppositions attack and setting up swift counter attack of our own. Verratti is the maestro in the middle, pulling the strings, dictating the play with the license to push forward and join the attack. With two tenacious players in the middle of the park we aim to employ a counter attacking tactic, let the opposition have the ball in their own half, eliminating the threat in behind, keeping the pitch narrow and making them play through the middle where Matuidi and Verratti will break up the play and get the ball forward to our danger men.

Forwards – We play with a central striker and two pacey wide forwards. Morata is one has fantastic his link up play and is capable of scoring or assisting at any moment. We will look to utilise his aerial presence with balls into the box from our full backs and our wide forward sticking tight, looking for any knockdowns and flicks in behind which will allow them to utilise their pace to devastating effect. Morata’s aerial presence coupled with the distribution of Verratti will prove a deadly combination. Lemar and Sane will make continuous runs in behind the defence, when our wingbacks push forward they will attack the box, one at the near post, one at the back with Morata in the middle. They will force the oppositions full backs to track them into the box which opens up space for our full backs and Verratti to push forward.

When the opposition are in possession – we drop into a 5-4-1 formation, the wingbacks drop in defence whilst the wingers drop back in midfield. Morata becomes the target man and will be the outlet, holding the ball up when we make a swift counter attack.

When we are in possession – We will play a variation of football. Comfortable enough in possession to bring the ball out from the back, if the opposition press we will not be afraid to go long, target Morata or the space out left by the opposition pushing forward. The pace of Lemar and Sane will be key as they push forward to create a front 3. Set pieces will be key and an area that we will specifically target. Rodriguez’s dead ball delivery is second to none and with the aerial ability of Morata, Chiellini, Boateng and van Dijk we will look to cause havoc in the oppositions box at any opportunity. D.Alves, Matuidi and Sane will all drop back on set pieces to eliminate the pace of a counter attack.

Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Lemar off, Willian on. 5-4-1, Wingbacks to fullback, wide forwards drop back into midfield with Willians defensive workrate offering extra legs out wide as we track back with the full backsas we see the game out.
80 mins: Morata off, Coman on. Extra legs in the midfield with Sane playing the lone striker role and using his pace on the counter attack.

If drawing: Boateng off, Fabregas on, we go to 4-3-3, Chiellini and van Dijk at CB with Boateng replaced by the creative Fabregas who will play in a midfield 3. Matuidi at DM with Fabregas and Verratti pulling the strings ahead of him in a midfield trio.
80 mins: Lemar off, Coman on, a new threat for the opposition to contend with. Coman offers even more of a direct threat as we employ a flat front 3 with Fabregas and Verratti playing through balls to the pacy wingers

If losing: Matuidi and Boateng off, Fabregas and Willian on. We go 4-2-2-2. Back 4 with Verratti and Fabregas in midfield, Willian and Lemar on the flanks with Morata and Sane up front. The back 4 anchor the team whilst everyone else attacks. Plenty of pace will force the opposition back as we aim for goals.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

BRUM VS villa

----------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------Kampl---------------Gueye-------------------------
Coleman----------------------------------------------------------------Shaw
----------------------------------------B Silva--------------------------------------
------------------------Gomez-------------------Rodrigo----------------------

Subs - Bailly, Iborra, Brozovic, Bellarabi, Calvert Lewin, Vardy, Alario

CAPTAIN - HOWEDES
CK'S - SILVA
FK'S - SILVA
PENALTIES - RODRIGO

Changing the formation a bit this week, going for a different variation of the 352 that I normally play. A bit more balanced in attack and defence, it should get us playing well. Playing some players I hardly play today against Villa give them a chance to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the next game.

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in Kampl and Silva in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. Comnand your area. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Ake and TFM have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Howedes will focus on the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Wingbacks 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. Watch out for oppo wingers and stop them cutting in onto their stronger foot.

Centre Mids
Kampl + Mario
Gueye main job is to use his defensive strength to help the wingbacks in defensive duties. Cover their gaps when they are attacking and double up against oppo wingers when we are defending. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap don't give him time on the ball. Kampl will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play quick passes with teammates to open up space. They both will be the engines that keep us ticking in the middle.

Wing backs
Coleman + Shaw
Coleman and Shaw will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as my strikers are good at playing in between the lines.

Attack Mid
Bernardo Silva
Silva will look to create chances for our strikers. Play quick passes and shoot if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Gomez + Rodrigo
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Vardy for Kampl. Bellarabi on for Rodrigo aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

---------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------------------Gueye-----------------------------------
Coleman----------------------------------------------------------------Shaw
-------------------------------------------Silva---------------------------------------
-----------------------Vardy-------Gomez-----Bellarabi------------


Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Rodrigo and put on Iborra in DM. Calvert Lewin on for Silva aswell. Change formation to 361 ultra defensive with the defensive line getting even deeper.

---------------------------------------Lafont-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------Kampl------------Iborra-------------Gueye---------------
Coleman----------------------------------------------------------------Shaw
--------------------------------------------Lewin------------------------------------
------------------------------------------Gomez--------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Vardy ON for Rodrigo
Brozovic ON for Kampl
Lewin ON for Silva
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

——————————Rico
Elvedi——Zouma—————Diop——Jorge
—Cyprien——Kovacic——Fornals——Jankto
————————————B.Keita
———————Lukaku

Subs: Drogowski, Bernardo, Soler, Hakan, Oyarzabal, G.Martins, Oneykuru

Captain: Sergio Rico
Corners: Pablo Fornals
Free Kicks: Matteo Kovacic/Romalu Lukaku
Penalties: Romelu Lukaku

In the initial press we want to stop Portsmouth from playing it out smoothly, to do this we push Jankto into the front line during Portsmouth goal kicks, with him and Lukaku standing on the wide CBs and Keita on the middle CB. If they drop deeper into the box stay with them, if they split wider, stay with them. Jorge will step into the midfield line so we can retain our 4 man midfield, all four going zonally, if one of your men drops to receive from the keeper, go with him. This leaves a back three to then deal with any longer ball forwards, all powerful CBs, and like the midfielders, will go zonally, so if a Portsmouth half space player drops to where the CM has vacated space, the wide CB must go with him etc. By working as a team in this zonal + man to man fashion we will stop Portsmouth being able to build, we will force them longer and use our height advantage to clear, or they will build up and we will use or energetic marking to heap the pressure on and force errors.

Likewise when they have sustained possession we must look to force them wider as this is where we outnumber them. In these phases we want our CFs to drop off deeper, allow the CBs to have the ball and conserve energy for when we attack, but help the team out by forming a block around the deepest midfielder and not allow the ball circulation to go through him, making the defenders dictate and rush passes into other midfielders. Our midfield four will create a narrow zonal line behind this, Cyprien and Jankto occupying half spaces and Kovacic and Fornals the central lanes. The back four behind that will also be narrow and compact the the midfield line to keep everything very tight. Each player then will have their zone, when the ball enters this zone, particularly the midfield line, they will press the ball carrier whilst the other 3 drops behind the ball so we can put pressure on but not lose ur shape, when one midfielder steps out to press the ball side CF will come to press from behind. The combination of 3 compact lines and zonal pressure should force Portsmouth to use the WBs more often, once this happens we can go 2 v 1 with wide man and FB, wide man pressing and FB behind to back him up. Keita will drop back in and create a staggered diamond with the remaining 3 midfielders, Keita at the tip moving towards ball side and Fornals at the base, not allowing gaps between the lines. Far side CM will step up to block any switches of play and the ball side CM will step across to block the route central. Any pass into this diamond and it narrows very quickly, all four players working hard to shut the ball carried and his passing lanes down. Keep the opposition down the flank, if it goes forward, wide man and FB press harder, if it goes backwards, wide man and Keita press harder, working 2 vs 1. Back four should remain in their line at all times, when the ball side FB has to step out, the rest shuffle across. In Diop and Zouma we have the power and pace to deal with any type of CF.

Going forward we have a great amount of pace and we should be looking to target Portsmouth down the flanks. Whilst we’ve gone with harder working wide men today they still love to burst forward and when we win the ball wide the first thing that needs to happen is that we take advantage of the 2 v 1 we have, for example on the left, if Jorge wins it, Jankto must make a run for him, if Jankto wins it, Jorge must overlap into the space behind. Two strikers up front and both love to play on the counter so when the ball is won they must be off, most of the time we want Keita moving out to the left when we win it back and Lukaku out to the right, for quick balls forward to them up against the wide CBs, isolate them one v one and do them for pace and power. This will be particularly effective with Lukaku against their LCB, as he won’t be left footed, he’ll be dragged into an unfamiliar LB role and Lukaku coming from the right loves to roast his CBs 1 v 1. When we win it centrally then the first look must be for runners into wide areas. If its the wide men/FBs bringing it forward then we want both strikers in the middle, working on a tandem, usually Keita coming to support play and drag defenders out and Lukaku running behind, but at times Keita can play off of Lukaku. Second option if we can’t attack the wide spaces is to use Balde Keita’s dribbling through the middle, he has the beating of the Portsmouth CMs for pace and skill and if he can take them out of the game it will force the CBs and WBs to leave their position and leave space for blind side runs for supporting players. Third option is longer balls into Lukaku, in tighter spaces he struggles to hold it up but on the counter he does this perfectly, one touch lay offs to Keita to burst beyond him, or lay offs into wider areas. He can also look to position himself for diagonal switches of play, attacking the free side of the pitch. CMs will look to stay deeper so we can’t get caught out in turnovers, instead using their range of passing to hurt Portsmouth from deep.


Subs:

If Winning: Soler for Keita 75’, fresh legs into midfield, high work rate to keep Portsmouth from building easily. Bernardo and Hakan for Kovacic and Lukaku 80’, 5-5-0, 10 men behind the ball.

If Drawing: Gelson for Fornals 70’, Cyprien to CM and Gelson out wide to target the space behind the WB. Oyarzabal for Jankto 75’, same as Nelson really, gives us a scary front four. Soler for Kovacic 80’, more driving runs from deep.

If Losing: Oyarzabal and Gelson for Cyprien and Jankto 60’, 3-4-2-1 with Oyarzabal and Jorge as WB’s, look to force the opposition WBs back. Hakan for Fornals 70’, look to create and use him as a set piece weapon.

NEWCASTLE

-----------------------Chesney
-----Hummels-----Sule-----Marquinhos
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Nainggolan-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Coutinho, Ozil, Keita, Koulibaly, Danilo (city), Reus, Kane


Hummels is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the 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 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 between the posts, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, 2 of 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.





Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Danilo for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - Keita for Radja and Coutinho for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Ozil and Reus for Radja and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

-----------------------Pollersbeck
Weiser---Klostermann-------Lemos------Guerreiro
--------------Ascacíbar--------Dahoud
-------Mahrez---------Ziyech----------Forsberg
----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Hennessey, Stark, Plattenhardt, Tousart, de Jong, Aouar, Younes


Our defensive unit consists of Lukas Klostermann and Mauricio Lemos paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Raphaël Guerreiro at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar 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, Santiago Ascacíbar.

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

The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Zlatan Ibrahimovic 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 Ascacíbar or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Guerreiro can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Mahrez, Forsberg or Ibrahimovic in via fast passing combinations.

Ibrahimovic is a formidable centre forward and he possesses the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.


Subs on 80 mins
Aouar on for Ziyech and Tousart on for Ascacíbar

---------------------- Alex Meret
K.Walker -- Alderweir'd -- Varane----- Kolasinac
----------------------- Goretzka
----------- De Bruyne ---------- Partey
O.Dembele ------ Timo Werner -------- A.Martial

Subs: Ederson, Tah, Mendy, Gerson, Eriksen, Ounas, Mertens

4-3-3 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Alex Meret is very able with his hands and feet and should look to find our players in space.

The CB duo are excellent on the ball, very good passing success rates and should look to move the ball into mf quickly. At times collecting short from Meret and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using our forwards as target men to bypass their mf.

Goretzka & Partey, a midfield pair that will provide plenty of energy and will work their socks off for the side to allow others around them to express themselves. They should look to stamp their authority with their work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielders and covering every blade of grass out there.

When attacking, Goretzka sits just infront of the defence and makes himself available for a pass back. A passing outlet if we are being vigorously pressed whilst also allowing us to create space when working the ball around in triangles, also prevent counter attacks.

De Bruyne will look to play inbetween the lines, roaming in the oppositions half and and looking to act as the link between midfield and attack. Pick up pockets of space and use his awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.

Defensively will look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with our mf duo to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times sitting deeper and dictating the tempo allowing Partey to make his trademark burst forwards to mix it up.

Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.

Ousmane and Martial need to get involved as much as possible looking to influence the game, both two footed & excellent dribblers that more often than not will beat their man, need to get their heads down and accelerate with pace, linking with our fullbacks as they hug the touchline and open up the space ahead.

Always on the move and being unpredictable, never stay idle and easy to mark. Making off the ball runs and taking defenders with you, keeping them in two minds whether to stay or go.

When in possession, our fullbacks take it in turns to burst forward. One sits slightly back allowing the other to roam forward looking to provide the width, allowing the wingers space to drive into or an option on the outside.

Werner has a big role today, very prolific and great killer instinct but one of those strikers that influences the play even without the ball at his feet. He should look to come deep often and link with others, hold up play and take the CB with you, opening up the game and space for our wingers and KDB to run into beyond.

When Stoke are in possession we will initially look to press from front with our attacking trio and then drop off deeper with men behind the ball if they bypass with a strong block of 3 in midfield.

Don’t allow them to play out from the back and hurry their passes. Our attackers form a trio looking to cut avenues into wide & midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline and press up higher as a side.

The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Stoke to play long and concede possession, we feel they lack any sort of aerial presence in the side so are less likely to win contested duels.

If they advance we then form a rigid structure looking to press the space and dropping off with men behind the ball, only allowing them to play where we want them too, stifle the midfield with our 3 and stop them from picking their passes into an attacker, Goretzka man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Partey and De Bruyne cutting off passing lanes either side.

Key is leaving no gaps or space to get in behind, working as a staunch unit so their quick attackers have to come deeper to get involved making their first point of contact with the ball much deeper than they anticipated and notably further away from our final third.

When we have them deep we have more to work with, we can plug at them and tactically foul in areas that will prevent them from playing with any flow, breaking up the game.

If we manage to win the ball we must immediately look to counter and hit the opposition hard. FB’s can come up to support the play and provide the width. The front 4 burst forward, Goretzka holding.

Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Ounas > O.Dembele
- Gerson > Partey
- Mertens > Werner (80th minute)

IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-2-2-2 - wide)
- Mertens > KDB
- Eriksen > Partey

IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Ounas > O.Dembele
- Mertens > Partey
- Mendy > Kolasinac

C - KDB
FK's - De Bruyne
Corners - Martial
Pens - Werner

Comment deleted by Article Creator

v Arsenal SAT/SUN

--------------------- Butland ---------------------
D.Sidibe --- Rudiger --- Vertong --- Kurzawa
-------------------- Wanyama --------------------
------------ M.Kovacic -- Strootman -----------
Sterling --------------------------------- Min-Son
-------------------- Lacazette --------------------

Strakosha, Retsos, Blind, Delph, Lingard, Correa, Gabbiadini


In goal Butland, a super confident keeper, excellent shot stopper, who will close down strikers and reduce there shooting angels, look to spread the play from the back and release our wide men early. Many attacks will start from the goalkeeper.

Sidibe and Kurzawa have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one always staying back so we will have a back 3, they will bomb down the line supporting the wingers, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Lacazette. They look to play one twos with the attacking midfield 3 which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Rudiger the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Vertonghen alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, bot hstrong defenders, dominate in the air and good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Rudiger and Vertonghen up for corners, fullbacks and Wanyama stay back. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both Vertonghen and Rudiger are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Wanyama's primary role is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat

Strootman is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks. Kovacic's main responsibility is to create chances for the three attackers in front of him. He will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The main requirement of Kovacic is creativity; he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs.

Sterling and Son are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos, using Kovacic to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drives passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of himself centrally. Sane will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Kovacic to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Lacazette so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Lacazette will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two/three with the aid of Kovacic and the wingers. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, 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 with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sterling,Kovacic and Son will be making his runs also so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for Kovacic as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

Captain - Vertonghen
Penalties - Lacazette
Free kicks - Kovacic
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing -
60 Mins - Correa for Strootman 424 Correa up top with Lacazette
70 Mins - Retsos for Sidibe, he goes into a back 3, Kurzawa to LM and Son up front to the left of Lacazette
80 Mins - Gabbiadini for Son

Drawing -
70 Mins - Correa for Strootman 4231 he goes to No.10
80 Mins - Lingard for Son

Winning -
70 Mins - Delph for Strootman
80 Mins - Correa for Lacazette, Blind for Kurzawa(more defensive)

---------------------------Horn
Weiser------Lemos-----------Kempf--- Plattenhardt
--------------Ascacíbar--------Dahoud
-------Mahrez---------Ziyech----------Forsberg
----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Vestergaard, Tousart, F. de Jong, Aouar, Isak, Pellegri


Our defensive unit consists of Mauricio Lemos and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Marvin Plattenhardt at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar 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 Ascacíbar 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, Santiago Ascacíbar.

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

The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Zlatan Ibrahimovic 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 Ascacíbar or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Plattenhardt can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Mahrez, Forsberg or Ibrahimovic in via fast passing combinations.

Ibrahimovic is a formidable centre forward and he possesses the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.


Subs on 80 mins
Aouar on for Ziyech and Tousart on for Ascacíbar

Stoke v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (Cup)

Injuries:
Keylor Navas, Kingsley Coman, Ashley Young, Michael Keane

------------------------ Forster -----------------------
S.Aurier ----- Boateng –--- Van Dijk ----- Kolarov
---------------------- Bakayoko ----------------------
-------------- Fabregas ---–-- Verratti --------------
---- T.Lemar ----------------------------- L.Sane ---
---------------------- M.Dembele ---------------------

Subs:
Carevic, Chiellini, D.Alves, Matuidi, Dembele, Willian, Morata

Captain: van Dijk
Free Kicks: Fabregas/Kolarov
Penalties: Dembele
Corners: Fabregas

We look to freshen things up with 6 changes for the trip to Stoke as we aim to keep performances at an optimum level during the 3 game cup week. A back four of Aurier, Boateng, VVD and Kolarov. A midfield trio of Bakayoko at DM with Cesc and Verratti playing further forward in the CM roles. Lemar and Sane occupy the flanks with Dembele playing through the middle.

Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster – Dominant keeper with fantastic shot stopping ability. With the aerial challenge likely to be presented by the oppositions attack Forster will dominant the box, come for the ball and commanding on set pieces. We look to start attacks from the back, distributing to the fall backs or if the opposition press we bypass this by taking advantage of the plethora of options in front of him. The primary aim however is to get the ball to our ball playing CM’s as quickly as possible.

Centre Backs – We go with the physically commanding centre halve pairing of Boateng and van Dijk, both of whom offer superb pace and athleticism which will be integral in eliminating the threat posed by the pace and strength of the opposition. If the opposition play with one up top Boateng will mark with VVD offer cover in behind. The aim will be to stick tight to the forward and giving no room to manoeuvre, look to anticipate and cut off the ball into feet with VVD sweeping up if the opposition go long. With two extremely comfortable ball players we are not afraid to bring the ball out from the back. Draw the opposition on to us and exploit the space in behind.

Full Backs – Two solid full backs who's focus today will be providing support to the attack. When the opposition are in possession they drop back, creating a rigid back 4 with the centre halves playing close together leaving no space in or around our box. We force the wingers out wide, make them play down the line and do not allow them to come inside. If the opposition play with inverted wingers this will severely negate their ability to come inside and shoot as they will be forced to go down the line and cross with their weaker foot. Our commanding centre halves will deal with any balls into the box. When in possession the full backs have license to push forward and offer width, although only one will push forward at a time with the other offering cover in defence. They will be tasked with whipping balls in behind the opposition’s defence as we look to utilise the pace offered by our front 3.

Central Midfield – In the centre we utilise Bakayoko’s strength who’s athleticism is integral to how we play. He will sit deep as the DM, breaking up the oppositions play and providing the holding force in the middle whilst Verratti and Cesc pull the strings ahead of him. If the opposition play with an AM Bakayoko will sit on him, cutting out the supply line to the striker. We don’t want to overcomplicate his role and he will simply be the destructive force in the middle. In contrast Verratti and Fabregas will be poetry in motion, pulling the strings in the middle of the park, dictating the play with the license to push forward and join the attack. We aim to control the game by getting the ball to these two and letting them pick apart the opposition. With three lightening forwards ahead of them they will have plenty of options, sliding the ball in behind the opposition defence if they play a high or unpicking the lock should they sit deep and camp inside their own box.

Forwards – We play with a central striker and two pacey wide forwards. Dembele has fantastic movement and this coupled with the distribution of our two CM’s we anticipate creating plenty of scoring opportunities. He will be raring to go in order to stake his claim in the regular starting lineup and has the perfect platform to do so with a superb supply line behind him. Lemar and Sane will make continuous runs in behind the defence, when our wingbacks push forward they will attack the box, one at the near post, one at the back with Dembele in the middle. They will force the oppositions full backs to track them into the box which opens up space for our central midfielder to push forward. The front 3 as a unit are interchangeable, Dembele may drop onto the flank with one of Lemar or Sane pushing through the middle. This will disorganise the defence, pulling people out of position and creating space for our clinical forwards to take advantage.

When the opposition are in possession – we drop into a 4-5-1 formation, the wingers drop into midfield making it increasingly difficult for the opposition to play through us. We sit deep and do not allow any space in behind, drawing the opposition onto us which will create plenty of space which we will look to exploit with a swift counter attack.

When we are in possession – We will look to dominate possession. Comfortable enough in possession we will look to utilise the creativity of Fabregas and Verratti who will dictate the play. The pace of our forward will be key as we play a front 3 when in possession and force the opposition on the back foot.. Set pieces will be key and an area that we will specifically target. Fabregas’s dead ball delivery is superb and with the aerial ability of Boateng, van Dijk and Bakayoko we will look to cause havoc in the oppositions box at any opportunity. If the free kick is within shooting range then Kolarov will look to continue his superb goalscoring form.

Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Fabregas off, Matuidi on. 4-5-1, Wingers drop back into midfield with Bakayoko, Verratti and Matuidi dominating the physical battle in the middle of the pitch.
80 mins: Lemar off, Chiellini on. We go 5-4-1, Boateng, VVD and Chiellini playing through the middle of a solid back 5, creating a brick wall in front of our goal as we see the game out.

If drawing: Aurier and Lemar off, D.Alves and Willian on, we go to 3-4-3, Kolarov drops into LCB alongside VVD and Boateng in a back 3 with D.Alves providing a more attacking threat from the right. Willian replaces Lemar to offer more of a clinical edge as we push forward for the winner.
80 mins: Dembele off, Morata on, a new threat for the opposition to contend with. Morata offers an aerial threat as we vary our play. The wingers will whip balls into the box as we look to exploit his superb aerial ability as we pin the opposition back in their box.

If losing: Bakayoko, Aurier and Lemar off, Morata, D.Alves and Willian on. We go 4-2-4. D.Alves offers an increased threat from the wingback role whilst Morata and Dembele play as a front two with Sane and Willian playing either side. Plenty of pace will force the opposition back as we go for goals.

BRUM VS hull

----------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
---------------------------A Silva---------------Iborra-------------------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
-------------------------------------------Fekir--------------------------------------
------------------------M Gomez----------------Silva----------------------

Subs - Bailly, Winks, Brozovic, Lingard, Calvert Lewin, Vardy, Rodrigo

CAPTAIN - HOWEDES
CK'S - FEKIR
FK'S - FEKIR
PENALTIES - FEKIR

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in Iborra and Silva in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. Comnand your area. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Ake and TFM have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Howedes will focus on the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Wingbacks 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. Watch out for oppo wingers and stop them cutting in onto their stronger foot.

Centre Mids
Iborra + Silva
Iborra main job is to use his defensive strength to help the wingbacks in defensive duties. Cover their gaps when they are attacking and double up against oppo wingers when we are defending. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap don't give him time on the ball. Silva will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play quick passes with teammates to open up space. They both will be the engines that keep us ticking in the middle.

Wing backs
Bellerin + Alonso
Bellerin and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as my strikers are good at playing in between the lines.

Attack Mid
Fekir
Fekir will look to create chances for our strikers. Play quick passes and shoot if you see an opportunity. Make runs into the box and try and get shots on goal.

Strikers
Gomez + Silva
These 2 while not the quickest, are very good at the physical aspect of the game. They will look to use their strength and aerial abillity to their advantage. Be vary of crosses into the area and attack the ball with all your might. Inside the box they are deadly so that's what we will focus on, getting balls into there for them to pounce on.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Lingard for Iborra. Rodrigo on for Silva aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

---------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------------------Silva-----------------------------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
-------------------------------------------Fekir---------------------------------------
-----------------------Rodrigo-----Gomez-----Lingard------------


Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Fekir and put on Winks in CM. Calvert Lewin on for Silva aswell. Change formation to 361 ultra defensive with the defensive line getting even deeper.

---------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------Silva---------------Iborra-------------Winks---------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
--------------------------------------------Lewin------------------------------------
------------------------------------------Gomez--------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Vardy ON for Silva
Brozovic ON for Iborra
Lingard ON for Fekir
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

Wolves on SATURDAY/SUNDAY

----------------------- De Gea -----------------------
Carvajal ---- Sanchez ---- Lenglet ---- A.Sandro
---------- Rakitic --- Paredes --- Draxler ---------
Mbappe ------------- Poulsen ------------- Neymar

Heaton, Henrichs, Tolisso, Pogba, Brandt, Aguero, Jesus

We want to play high tempo football with plenty of possession, no point in long balls with the lack of height up front so lets start from the back and play through them, quick one touch, triangles to get beyond the lines of defence

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.

Sanchez and Lenglet at CB, Lenglet picks up th CF, Sanchez sits spare, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, by getting onto them quickly and be strong, take the ball away from them and play it away, look to move it simply to Paredes or our fullabacks as we look to start our attacks from deep.

Carbajal and Sandro at fullback, we must keep the wingers quiet, stop them and we stop a lot of there attacks. Both are perfect for this, They will look to keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. A lot of focus today is getting the ball wide, so both can attack, hence the three in midfield, they drive down the line in support of the wingers, Sandro gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carbajal will support Mbappe by either pushing out wide or going inside to allow the winger to drive passed his man, but the two always make themselves available to the wingers.

Our midfield 3 are essential to our style of play, Paredes central sits a little deeper as he looks to pick up the ball from CBs or GK, a quick turn and head up he will look to get us moving with a ball either out wide to Carvajal/Sandro or a little further up to the wingers, if he is getting hounded down then he is physical enough to brush these players off him, having Draxler and Rakitic alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Paredes which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Wolves are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly,
like said Draxler and Rakitic are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Paredes shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Paredes to support the attack, they will at times receive the ball from the fullbacks so a quick pass back or ahead to the wingers, playing the ball in triangles to get round the opposition quickly will get them away from the Wolves fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Draxler will be the one furthest up field to support Poulsen , looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself, Poulsen good in the air so Draxler can get beyond him as he flicks it on or just lays it back for him.

In Mbappe and Neymar we will look to push them back up the pitch by pressing them, as everyone keeps reminding me these two aren't the best tacklers or at tracking back all I want them to do is get into the face of the fullbacks, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal/Sandro as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mbappe is more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace, beating his man along the way, can use Rakitic and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Poulsen or Neymar driving in from the left. Neymar himself does all the fancy stuff, but it does tend to come off, so we allow him to be free today, with Sandro in support and Draxler there making himself available like the right our left will be very dangerous

We want a high tempo game from our midfield 5 if you want to call it that, passing and moving, getting it out wide to where we see our strengths, push them back wards even when they have the ball, they may well have possession but if its in there own half they wont cause us many problems.

Poulsen will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower/Smaller 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 Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Mbappe and Neymar, Draxler, who will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side. But especially look for Neymar as he times his runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.As he is good in the air he will win a good amount of headers so will look to flick it on for the runners or knock it down for them comin in

Captain - Rakitic
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs

Winnng

70 Mins - Tolisso for Draxler, help out the midfield defensively as they start bring on more forwards and Aguero for Poulsen

80 Mins - Henrichs for Mbappe and go to RM to help out Carvajal

Losing -
65 Mins - Aguero and Jesus for Draxler and Poulsen 424
80 Mins - Sandro to LM, Neymar up top 343, Pogba com eon for Rakitic

Drawing
70 Mins - Tolisso for Rakitic, Aguero for Poulsen freshen things up Aguero will run at everything
80 Mins - Pogba for Draxler
----------------------------------------------------------------------

NEWCASTLE

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Sule-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Casemiro-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Coutinho, Ozil, Trent, N’Zonzi, Danilo (city), Firmino, Kane


Hummels is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the 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 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 between the posts, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, 2 of 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.





Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Danilo for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - N’Zonzi for Casemiro and Coutinho for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Ozil and Firmino for Casemiro and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.

———————————Courtois
————Lindelof——-—Skriniar————Umtiti
Conti——————-——Fabinho—————————Gaya
—————Torreira———————Milinkovic-Savic
——————————Dybala
—————————————Icardi

Subs: Svilar, R.Pereira, Ceballos, Zielinski, Sabitzer, Philipp, Mariano

Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Fabinho(right)/Paulo Dybala(left and centre)
Corners: Fabinho
Penalties: Fabinho

We want to play a more counter attacking style today against what is likely to be a very strong Newcastle side.

We will look to defend in a very compact manner, concentrating on making them come central where we will have greater numbers and control, not allowing them to use the pace of Salah and Mane in wider areas, make them play where its congested. We use the energy of our front two and shuttlers to do this. Whenever Newcastle have the ball with their wide CBs I want Icardi pressing him and Dybala dropping to cover the passing lane to the WB and if from there they look to switch sides through the CBs, the ball side CM will step up and press the wide CB with Icardi coming across and Dybala able to drop into midfield to retain our 3 vs 2. The aim is to force them to move into our half by using their CMs rather than their WBs, which allows us to keep a very narrow and compact 5-3-2 shape. From here the forwards must drop back and look to put pressure on the Newcastle CMs from behind, whilst our two CMs can work to put pressure on from the front, Torreira and Savic with bags of energy and strength to be constantly in their face. Like this we should create a 4 v 2 in the central midfield ground and equally stop Newcastle using their CBs further forward as our forwards work to close of passing lanes with their pressuring runs.

This will then allow the rest of the team to function zonally and put pressure on anyone that carries the ball in their zones. Fabinho as the spare man focuses on any Newcastle forward dropping between the lines to link play, or any CM stepping forward to provide overloads in the final third, focus on stopping them having any space in front of our back line. The back 5 zonal press also, which will allow us to control the width of the pitch, any quick switches of play are negated with a 5 man backline as our WBs are able to cut them out. If a player enters one of the defenders zones they look to go out to them and put them under pressure whilst the rest of the defence drop back so that players can’t run in behind us, force Newcastle back into the midfield area with this press before dropping back into the 5 and allowing the next defender/our midfielders to go and win the ball. We have a difficult task defending this Newcastle team but by remaining compact we can limit the space to use their pace, and most importantly we must stand up the them, never dive in. In particular this is important for the WBs, they must stand up to the opposition WBs and slow them down, allowing or outer CMs to come across and double up to help stop the WB combining with their wingers. When this happens Dybala will look to drop in front of the DM to allow Fabinho and the remaining CM to remain 2 v 1 on Newcastle’s advanced CM. Umtiti and Lindelof will be particularly key today, we want them to remain in their zone, if Newcastle’s wingers/SS’s stretch out then let the CM go and help the WB, keep your own position so that they cannot then run in behind. If their SS’s drop deeper but remain in your zone and they have their back to goal when receiving the ball, go and win it back and launch a counter.

Going forward we must break with real pace and purpose. The CBs can start these counters, all 3 are excellent passers of the ball and if at any stage Newcastle drop of them they can act as our playmakers and look to split the lines with driven passes in to Savic and Dybala. When Newcastle do press high then we must exploit the space behind their forwards and behind their CMs as well as trying to get at Florenzi. Build up in a 2-3-2-3, Fabinho dropping next to Skriniar and Lindelof and Umtiti stretching right out pushing forward in line with Torreira. By doing this we can a. give their front three much more space to press and b. get Torreira between the first and second line of defence. This then allows us to direct our play, Fabinho and Skriniar to dictate and Umtiti and Lindelof to give Newcastle a decision on who to press, if they press them it means Skriniar and Fabinho go 2 v 1 and easily progress the ball, if they focus on pressing central space, Umtiti and Lindelof become free and will have easy access to the WBs and half spaces. Torreira then between the first two lines acts a 2nd passer for wall passes with the deeper two drawing Newcastle’s CMs on to him. Savic and Dybala further forward will look to both position themselves in the half spaces, creating diagonal passing lanes between the lines for the CBs to find them. When a Newcastle CM pushes forward into the press Savic or Dybala will drop into the vacant 6 space and the other can then make a 3rd man run so if his team mate receives the ball and draws the deepest CM, he can run behind him. At other times, particularly when Newcastle are doing well at blocking the ball to Savic and Dybala, we want Savic to make a wide run to go up against Florenzi, our deep 2 will play longer balls into Savic to use his hold up play in the wide area and get Gaya/Dybala running in behind the WB.

Once we get into their half we must use clever movement and rotations to unlock Newcastle. Our WBs will hold a mid line in the opposition half, give the opposition WBs a decision of whether to push up or stay deeper and cover space behind. If they stay deep, our WBs become a good base to establish possession and find the half space players, if they push up, the half space players have a great chance to run in behind and drag the wide CBs into uncomfortable positions. We have a 3 man midfield to give us control so that when Newcastle press the other two, one will always be free to run off the ball and join the attack, this is usually going to be Savic with his powerful running but Torreira is more than capable too. Dybala has a free role in attack to get the best out of him, at times he goes towards ball side and overloads play with Savic and Gaya who can overlap and underlap, and at other times he allows the midfield 3 to overload play on one side of the field and looks to take up position in the underloaded half space, knowing that we can use Conti’s height to switch things and work one two’s between himself and Dybala. Other times he’s working with Icardi and occupying the back 3, when one drops deep, the other must run behind, push the defence both ways in a search to create space between them. When Dybala drops deep Savic will also run the other way to get into the box and use his physicality. Main aim should be to get Dybala and Savic 2 v 1 against defenders and CMs and draw their CBs out so that Icardi can find space in the box.


Subs:

If Winning: Mariano for Icardi 70’, more physical CF to hold the ball up and bring his team mates into play. R.Pereira for Gaya 75’, more defensive approach at WB. Zielinski for Dybala 80’, Savic go to AM and Zielisnki provide fresh legs in the middle

If Drawing: Zielinski for Torreira 70’, more of a driving presence through the midfield. Mariano for Icardi 75’, different kind of threat and can hurt the opposition without getting in their box. Sabitzer for Savic 80’, more technical player to find space between the lines, he and Dybala can also split wider in attacks in a 3-4-3 to change things up.

If Losing: Ceballos and Sabitzer for Lindelof and Torreira 60’, 4-3-3 using Sabizter and Dybala wider but allowing the FBs to attack and create space in the half space for Dybala and Sabizter. Philipp for Savic 70, gives us two more natural wingers, allows Dybala to play with freedom in the middle whilst Ceballos and Fabinho run things.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION v Aston Villa

Injuries: Lallana, Schneiderlin, Anderson, Cech

---------------------- Trapp
Zabaleta - Sokratis - Evans - Bernat
------ Fellaini - Carvalho - Pastore
Callejon ---- Benzema ---- Richarlison

Subs: Gunn, Holding, Robertson, Krychowiak, Payet, Jese, Falcao

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

A very tough game today, but we can get at this Villa side, I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Benzema to finish.

Playing a 4-3-3/4-5-1, Trapp in goal, Zabaleta, Sokratis, Evans and Bernat across the back, Fellaini, Carvalho and Pastore in midfield, Callejon and Richarlison either side of Benzema upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Stoke have some world class players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Lallana, Krychowiak and Matuidi, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Berardi at RW and Payet at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Stoke defence with Zabaleta and Bernat overlapping. Falcao 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.

Trapp - 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 Benzema.

Sokratis/Evans - Sokratis to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Evans 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 Carvalho to deal with the AM. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Zabaleta/Bernat - Both of you to force the Villa 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 Callejon/Richarlison 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 Benzema and link with Fellaini/Carvalho/Pastore. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Fellaini/Carvalho/Pastore - Pastore and Fellaini playing the box to box roles, assist Carvalho dealing with the Villa attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Carvalho stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Carvalho to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Pastore to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others. Fellaini to get forward and provide a physical threat alongside Benzema whenever crosses come into the area.

Callejon/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Villa 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 Benzema with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Fellaini/Carvalho/Pastore, and capitalise on the space Benzema's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Benzema - you will be expected to occupy the Villa 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 Callejon/Richarlison on occasion.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Richarlison off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Krychowiak alongside Fellaini and Carvalho in midfield. Callejon to RM and Pastore to LM, look to absorb pressure and hold out for the win.

If losing: Carvalho and Evans off, Payet and Falcao on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Zabaleta - Sokratis - Bernat, Pastore the playmaker, Callejon - Fellaini - Payet - Richarlison behind a front two of Benzema and Falcao. Push for goals.

4-3-3 Total Football

A quick and direct game centred around numerical supremacy and the idea of overwhelming the opposition based on the speed of our transitions and pace. We feel we can get in between the lines against them and out number them when we get forward.

High tempo football played at pace. Seamless interchanging of positions in attack, and relentless pressing in our own half when defending. Attacking at pace down the wings.

Everyone attacks, everyone defends. Well everyone attacks bar the cbs and Kante. Pure pace in our front four, with Asensio advancing to play off the forwards in possession. Kante keeps it simple in possession, Thiago the playmaker.

We look to play our usual game and take the game to Brum, passing out from the back and with an energetic midfield trio. Find space in between the opposition lines. Knock the ball about the opposition, tiring them out, and allowing us to push players forward into attack. Isolate their attacking players.

One fb bombs forward at a time, Marcelo usually, providing our wingers creative freedom in attack, let them find space. The fbs offer width, allowing our attackers to support each other and overload the opposition cbs. Fbs and wingers both look to get balls into the box for Ronaldo.

As soon as we get the ball to our midfield, we look to move the ball quickly, quick passing and moving.

Kante the dm reading the play looking to win the ball back, Thiago offers an inteligent defensive player next to him with Asensio's energy also important for pressing. Get Asensio on the ball and looking to play neat one twos in between the lines to open up the opposition using the pace of our attacking trio. Can's power going forward adding a further element to our attack.

--------------- Schmeichel
Azpilicueta - Stones - Otamendi - Marcelo
-------------- Kante --- Thiago
----------------- M.Asensio
- Guedes ----------------------- E.Hazard -
------------------ C.Ronaldo

Subs. Pereira, Romagnoli, Odriozola, Ndidi, Koke, Malcom, Belotti

Defence

We have a quick defence and energy and pace in midfield to stop quick breaks.

We defend in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Asensio drops to LM. Guedes RM. Allow Hazard the freedom of staying further forward. Hazard he sits on the deepest cm of the midfielders.

Control the opposition by pressing the space with a narrow, compact 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. Looking to stop any attacks before they begin.

Look to leave no space for them in between the lines, make it difficult for them to create. Their great dribblers and so if they beat a man, they'll run into another. The wide midfielders will track any forward runs made by their fbs/wbs, and Kante presses the space in front of our cbs, sweeping up danger in front of the defence when it gets through, Thiago pressing the ball.

In this tight formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, getting across to cut out any danger. The winger opposite play comes inside and picks up the other cm.

As we drop deeper we are really compact. No space in between the lines. Isolate their attackers and force them to take risks.

Attack

We will counter using our pace to break where possible, where it's not we build possession from the back. The defenders will be a bit more patient on the ball taking care with their passing. When the midfielders get the ball they look to move it quickly, playing quick one twos or spreading the play to our wingers/forwards.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, 2 cb supported by Kante and fbs pushing on that comes close to the first line to provide strong connection in order to transit the ball between the lines.

Thiago seeks to support Asensio where possible. Then work the ball wide. Thiago then advances to support Asensio, who will also have one of the wingers deeper next to him. The two fbs continue to progress offering an option wide.

These players will look to find spaces in between the Brum lines. As we progress to this next line Kante stays in the dm position. Looking to push more players further forward as we progress, the fbs looks to overlap the wingers. Asensio and Thiago seeking to link up with the fbs and wingers.

We let our attackers play natural game in the final third. Create chances and score. Simple.

Subs. If winning after 66 mins bring on Ndidi for Guedes. Fresh legs and pace in important areas. Both are also very strong defensively so can put in a shift. Asensio to RM.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Malcom for Asensio. Fresh pace.
If winning after 85 mins bring on Alena for Thiago.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Malcom for Marcelo. Malcom rm. Guedes up top with Ronaldo. 3 at the back.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Belotti for Guedes.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Koke for Asensio.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Belloti for Guedes. Ronaldo and Belotti strikers. Asensio goes right.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Malcom and Koke for Marcelo and Asensio. 3-5-2.

---------------------------Horn
Weiser------Lemos-----------Kempf--- Plattenhardt
--------------F. de Jong-------Dahoud
-------Mahrez---------Ziyech----------Forsberg
----------------------Ibrahimovic

Subs: Pollersbeck, Vestergaard, Tousart, Ascacíbar, Aouar, Isak, Pellegri


Our defensive unit consists of Mauricio Lemos and Marc-Oliver Kempf paired up at centre-back, Mitchell Weiser at right-back and Marvin Plattenhardt at left-back, with Frenkie de Jong and Mahmoud Dahoud as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in de Jong 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 de Jong 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, Frenkie de Jong.

A holding midfielder through and through, de Jong 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 de Jong such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, Hakim Ziyech and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Zlatan Ibrahimovic 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 de Jong or Dahoud, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Weiser and Plattenhardt can surge up the wings in the knowledge that de Jong and Dahoud can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Hakim Ziyech our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Ziyech 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 Mahrez, Forsberg or Ibrahimovic in via fast passing combinations.

Ibrahimovic is a formidable centre forward and he possesses the technical qualities and versatility to shine in this game. He’ll be physically imposing and not only will he be a threat in the air, but he can also score via great volleys. We’ll look towards his wonderful finishing and passing ability and he’ll also display good positioning and teamwork, and won’t be afraid to help his team defend.


Subs on 80 mins
Aouar on for Ziyech and Ascacíbar on for de Jong

BRUM VS Leicester

----------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
---------------------------A Silva---------------Iborra-------------------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
-------------------------------------------Fekir--------------------------------------
------------------------M Gomez----------------Silva----------------------

Subs - Bailly, Winks, Brozovic, Lingard, Calvert Lewin, Vardy, Rodrigo

CAPTAIN - HOWEDES
CK'S - FEKIR
FK'S - FEKIR
PENALTIES - FEKIR

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in Iborra and Silva in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
I got a top class keeper in goal so he will be hard to beat. Comnand your area. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's playing in the top flight regularly irl. Ake and TFM have the pace to play the 3atb formation with ease. Howedes will focus on the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Wingbacks 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. Watch out for oppo wingers and stop them cutting in onto their stronger foot.

Centre Mids
Iborra + Silva
Iborra main job is to use his defensive strength to help the wingbacks in defensive duties. Cover their gaps when they are attacking and double up against oppo wingers when we are defending. When the oppo AM has the ball close him down asap don't give him time on the ball. Silva will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play quick passes with teammates to open up space. They both will be the engines that keep us ticking in the middle.

Wing backs
Bellerin + Alonso
Bellerin and Alonso will look to help both in attack and defence. When the oppo has the ball come back into the defence to make a rock solid back 5. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some low crosses into the box as my strikers are good at playing in between the lines.

Attack Mid
Fekir
Fekir will look to create chances for our strikers. Play quick passes and shoot if you see an opportunity. Make runs into the box and try and get shots on goal.

Strikers
Gomez + Silva
These 2 while not the quickest, are very good at the physical aspect of the game. They will look to use their strength and aerial abillity to their advantage. Be vary of crosses into the area and attack the ball with all your might. Inside the box they are deadly so that's what we will focus on, getting balls into there for them to pounce on.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Change formation to 343. Bring on Lingard for Iborra. Rodrigo on for Silva aswell. Play a very high line and try and get a goal.

---------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------------------------------Silva-----------------------------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
-------------------------------------------Fekir---------------------------------------
-----------------------Rodrigo-----Gomez-----Lingard------------


Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take off Fekir and put on Winks in CM. Calvert Lewin on for Silva aswell. Change formation to 361 ultra defensive with the defensive line getting even deeper.

---------------------------------------Batalla-----------------------------------
---------------------TFM-----------Howedes-----------Ake----------------
-----------------Silva---------------Iborra-------------Winks---------------
Bellerin----------------------------------------------------------------Alonso
--------------------------------------------Lewin------------------------------------
------------------------------------------Gomez--------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Vardy ON for Silva
Brozovic ON for Iborra
Lingard ON for Fekir
Like for like changes just fresh legs to help the team.

NEWCASTLE

-----------------------Lloris
-----Hummels-----Sule-----Koulibaly
Florenzi-----Pjanic------Casemiro-------Rose
-------Salah-------Suarez---------Mane
Subs
Coutinho, Ozil, Trent, N’Zonzi, Danilo (city), Firmino, Kane


Hummels is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, the centre backs will always stay back to stop counter attacks, The CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. 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 or the wing backs thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the wing backs today the objective is to provide the width for the team and keep the oppositon stretched as much as possible, both still have a defensive mindset so will be getting back into a back 5 if we lose the ball. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the 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 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 respectively to drift 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 winger has the ball, the one 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 between the posts, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, 2 of 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.





Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Danilo for Rose - The wing backs stay back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




82 + 86 Mins - N’Zonzi for Casemiro and Coutinho for Mane - Actively time waste and Mourinho the opposition.



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

If Losing



67 Mins - Ozil and Firmino for Casemiro and Rose - The wings backs act as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.