----------------------- B.Leno ----------------------
Valencia --- Kompany --- Manolas --- Wendell
--------------------- M.Llorente --------------------
-------------- Goretzka ---- R.Barkley ------------
----- Costa --------- A.Belotti ------- James -----
Dahlberg, D.Llorente, Ramsey, Cyprien, Pellegrini, el Shaarawy, Aspas
In goal Leno, 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.
Valencia and Wendell 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 Belotti. 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.. Manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both strong 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. Manolas and Kompany up for corners, fullbacks and Marcos Llorente 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 Manolas and Kompany 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..
Marcos Llorente'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
Goretzka 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. Barkley'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 Barkley 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.
Costa and James 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 Goretzka and Barkley 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. Costa will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Barkley to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Belotti so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Belotti 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 the midfield 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 the wingers and Barkley 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 James and Barkley as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
Captain - Kompany
Pens - Belotti
Free Kicks - James
Corners - James
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - el Shaarawy for Barkley he goes to LW and James to No.10
80 Mins - Valencia and Wendell off, D.Llorente and Aspas on, 3412
Winning -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Barkley, making our midfield strnger defensively
80 Mins - Aspas for Belotti
Drawing -
70 Mins - el Shaarawy for Barkley, he goes to LW, James to No.10 to support Apsas as he comes on for Belotti at the same time
Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth
----------------------- K.Navas -----------------------
--------- Boateng –- Van Dijk -– Chiellini ---------
D.Alves ---- Bakayoko -–-- Verratti --- Rodriguez
-------- B.Silva ---------------------- L.Sane --------
----------------------- M.Icardi -----------------------
Subs:
Forster, Rugani, S.Aurier, A.Young, Willian, M.Dembele, M.Balotelli
Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: Rodriguez
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: B.Silva
Team Tactics:
If the opposition press we will look to use this to our advantage, drawing them on to us which will in turn create space for our attacking players to exploit. We have three world class CB’s marshalling our backline, all of whom are comfortable on the ball. We expect the opposition to play with a front three and will likely look to press when we are on the ball, if so we will look to quickly get the ball out to our fullbacks to bypass the press, thus taking out their front three and creating an immediate overload. The opposition will then be forced to engage our fullback using either one of their CM’s or fullback. If a CM presses this will create space in the middle of the park for us to begin our attack, if the opposition fullback presses we will look to quickly get the ball down the flanks, exploiting the space in behind, creating a 3 on 3 in attack against defence and a situation where we will have an opportunity to score.
When the opposition are in possession our fullbacks will drop in and create a back 5. In addition to this our two holding midfield players will sit in and screen the defence, in effect creating a defensive unit of 7 players all camped within our own half. Our aim will be to congest our half of the pitch, the opposition have some world class creative players however we aim to give them no space to operate, we will sit deep leaving no space in behind and with three CB’s, two fullbacks and two holding midfielders all sitting within our own half we will be extremely difficult to play through. We won't chase the ball and will instead let them try and play through us, increasing the chances of turning over possession.
We will not press the opposition in their own half and instead let them have the ball, this will draw their defenders forward creating space in behind for our attack to exploit. The more players the opposition push forward the more congested our half of the pitch will become, in addition the more space left behind will play into our counter attacking tactics, the pace of Sane will be key as we look to break with Icardi making runs into the box and Silva looking to cut inside from the right.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas – Fantastic shot stopping keeper who will look to dominate the box, come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces. With little to no room in front of him we expect the opposition to attempt shots from distance as they become increasingly frustrated by the lack of space. He will be alert at all times and tuned in to the increased threat from distance. If the opposition press we bypass this by pushing the fullbacks forward and going out wide, immediately bypassing the first wave of the press and creating space in behind the opposition.
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. VVD 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 then Boateng and Chiellini will mark with VVD 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 Chiellini will offer support to the fullbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Fullbacks – Two solid fullbacks who's focus today will be forming a solid defensive unit alongside the three CB’s. When the opposition are in possession they drop back, creating a rigid back 5 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.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Bakayoko will sit in front of the defence forming a screen. Bakayoko will look to physically impose himself, dominating any balls in to the air, overpowering the opposition to win back possession and making driving runs when in possession to set up a counter attack. Verratti alongside him will be the distributor in chief, he will be responsible for creating chances for our front three and our passmaster in the middle of the park. He will be playing a slightly deeper than usual role today screening the defence however his superb passing ability will be key to setting up our attacks, spraying long passes out to the flanks which we expect to be vacated by the oppositions fullbacks. As soon as possession is won we will look to counter and immediately get the ball to our forwards.
Forwards – We play three up top who’s individual qualities dovetail perfectly. Sane has the sheer pace to terrify the oppositions defence, we expect him to have plenty of space on the counter attack as we look to play on the break. Silva has superb dribbling ability and distribution, if he has the opportunity to cut inside and shoot he will, if not then he will look for the runs of Icardi who is a predator in the box. All three forwards have license to shoot on sight and all have the ability to finish with aplomb.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Silva and Alves off, Willian and Aurier on. We go 5-4-1, Aurier offering fresh legs and more defensive protection as we play a solid back 5, creating a brick wall in front of our goal as we see the game out. Willian’s work rate will also prove invaluable in tracking back the full back whilst offering an increased threat of pace on the break.
If drawing: Willian and A.Young on, Silva and Rodriguez off. Willian adds increased pace and threat on the counter attack as we look to go more direct, Young slots in at LWB offering an increased goal threat and delivery into the box as we look for a winner.
If losing: Chiellini and Bakayoko off, Balotelli and Willian on. We go with Icardi and Balotelli up top with Wilian, B.Silva and Sane in behind. We push the opposition back and look to dominate possession, creating plenty of chances as we go for goals.
Villa away at Wolves
Injuries:
Claudio Marchisio
Elseid Hysaj
Angel Di Maria
Filipp Kohn
………………………………………….Oblak……………………
……………………De Vrij………Godin………..Luiz………
F.Luis……………..Modric………….Kessie………….Davies
……………………………………Hamsik………………………….
…………………………….Cavani……..Griezmann………………
Subs: Scuffett, Mere, Jones, Gagliardini, Robben, Higuain, Chiesa
Local derby away at the golden palace against a team that have improved no end and now sit above us in the table.
Fast paced possession football from us today as we look to build on a solid spine, take the sting out of Wolves and use our pace up-front to get at them.
Oblak is a fantastic shot-stopper, quick off his line to collect any crosses or loose through balls, with the ball short crisp passes or throws out to the back 5, or if a quick counters on can go long.
The back three – De Vrij and Luiz will shuffle wide when we have the ball, creating more space for ball retention, can also hit those tasty diagonals to switch play and relieve the pressure, when we don’t have the ball I want them back in on Godin’s shoulders. Godin will man mark the central striker, if it’s Auba don’t get too close as if he spins he’s gone and you wont catch him.
Luis is on the right Davies the left, will need to push up today get us some extra width and turn wolves’ wide-men and keep em running towards their own goal, with the ball I want nice early crosses – drilled not floating, our front two will gamble, one goes front stick one goes back stick and with Hamsik in there as well the key is early delivery.
Modric is my peak Pirlo with Kessie as my Gattuso…Modders will hold the centre of the park and ping his passes around whilst Kessie will provide the engine and muscle in the box to box role.
Hamsik plays as my #10, more goals now for Napoli than Diego, so that ends the not enough goals argument, great player and a good work ethic, will put a foot in but links the play nicely, will look to arrive into the box to get on those crosses from our wing-backs or snaffle up any loose balls.
Griezmann is given the free role today and I want him drifting wide taking a defender with him creating that space for Hamsik to get into and give us the over-load,
Cavani gets the nod over Higuain purely on his extra pace and work-rate we want to run this Wolves defence into the ground and tire them out…Cav and Griez will be none stop movement switching sides and trying to create the gaps, for the pay-off at the end.
Subs 75 mins:
Griezmann, Hamsik, Cavani off
Robben Chiesa and Higuain on
line up as a 3-4-3
Robben…………..Higuain………..Chiesa
fresh legs for the last 15 mins and Robben and Chiesa’s pace could turn the tide
---------------------Buffon
Clyne---Rudiger---Verthongen---Blind
-------------------Wanyama
---------Strootman------Parejo
Sterling-----------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Butland, Kurzawa, Sidibe, Bender, Gray, Cuadrado, Sanabria
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both 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 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.
Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 Lacazette, 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 Lacazette is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.
Set Pieces
Corners - Parejo 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 FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette 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, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Wanyama looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Strooty takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Parejo takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Cuadrado for Son - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
82 + 86 Mins - Vecino for Parejo and Gray for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Kurzawa for Blind - Add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Cuadrado and Kurzawa for Wanyama and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
BRUM vs Arsenal
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Dembele-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inaki---------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy------------------------------------------
Subs - Ake, Allan, Winks, Lingard, Rashford, Rodrigo, Gomez
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - PERISIC
FK'S - PERISIC
PENALTIES - PERISIC
Going with the tried and tested 4231 this week. Solid in defence while also lethal in attack.
I want us to play high up and to not give the Arsenal attackers any room to breath. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Batalla a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Gomez and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. They are probably 2 of the quickest CB's around and will be able to handle any pacy players coming at them. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Dembele will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Dembele
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Dembele will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers
Inaki + Perisic
Inaki and Perisic are two quick wingers but with a sense of physicality to them. They are tall and have to ability to use their strength to shrug off oppo defenders. Inaki will look to play on the outside and get to the byline and whip in some crosses. Perisic likewise although he is one of the most ambidextrous footed players in the world and is comfortable on using both his feet, so I want him to mix things up and cut in from time to time and make space for a shot. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Attack Mid
Dele Alli
Dele will look to have a free role in midfield. I want him to make different types of runs from midfield so it is harder for the oppo to mark you. Make diagonal runs and drift into the wings etc. You will be the link between the midfield and the attack. Play quick passes and play 1 2's to find space and create a chance to shoot.
Striker
Vardy
Vardy will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gomez for Matic. Also Allan for Dembele. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------------------------Allan-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inaki---------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Vardy----------Gomez------------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Alli and put on Allan in CM and play ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Lingard on for Inaki to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Dembele-----------------------------
--------------------------------------Allan--------------------------------------------
Lingard------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gomez on for Vardy
Lingard on for Alli
Allan on for Dembele
Fresh legs to bring on.
Attacking 4-3-3
We look to take the game to the Stoke. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Stoke. We look to press them high up the pitch. We have an energetic side and after the winter break they’re ready to bounce back after a poor result in Europe.
Costa comes in up front, his bustling style will be key to making space for and getting the best out of our wide attackers.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top.
In midfied, we go with Koke in a playmaker role next to Kante. Thiago the attacking mid, Koke and Thiago looking to link the defence and attack and create. In front we go with fantastic pace and ability to create, with Costa the danger man, creating space for the trio and getting in the box to finish any chances.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fb look to give us width and stretch the game.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
We defend in a rigid defensive unit high up the pitch behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the ball, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.
------------------- Neuer
Odriozola – Ramos - Otamendi - Azpilicueta
-------------- Kante – Koke
------------------- Thiago
--- Asensio ---------------------- E.Hazard --
------------------ D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Stones, Can, Herrera, Malcom, Richarlison, Ronaldo
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space high up the pitch with a narrow rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Costa gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
Force them in to positions where they have to take risks, and then try and win the ball back.
As the Stoke advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Stoke are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Koke and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Odriozola as well will always be making himself available advanced down the right
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Koke, Thiago, Odiozola and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Malcom and Ronaldo for Asensio and Costa. Fresh pace to keep us going forward.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Herrera for Thiago. Koke more advanced. Herrera giving great energy in cm.
If drawing or losing after 55 mins bring on Ronaldo for Asensio.
If drawing or losing after 60 mins bring on Can for Azpilicueta. Attacking left back option.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Richarlison for Thiago. Skill and pace to attack. Hazard moves to am.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Phil Coutinho
Freekicks: Phil Coutinho
Crossing Freekick: Phil Coutinho
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Sule — Marquinhos — Robertson
————————— Casemiro
—————— Nainggolan — Coutinho
Salah ————————————————— Mane
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Firmino, Tierney, N’Zonzi, Keita, Ozil, Reus, Kane
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Coutinho in midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Coutinho, Salah, Mane, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Casemiro anchoring the midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on N’Zonzi for Coutinho. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Keita for Nainggolan. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Kane for Coutinho. Casemiro will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Kane with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
--------------------- Ederson
Zappa ---- Alder'werd -- Javi.M ----- Ghoulam
--------------------- Khedira
--------- De Bruyne ------- David Silva
O.Dembele ----- Lewandowski ------ A.Martial
Subs: Meret, Walker, Mendy, Fernandinho, Partey, A.Sanchez, Werner
Important game, a slight change in formation, 4-3-3 with our two quick wingers complementing our midfielders and providing genuine width. Keep up the good form and get at this Spurs side.
Look to go in with the plan of dominating the midfield today, Spurs are missing two of their key midfielders to injury so our trio go in looking to outnumber them and control the lions share of possession, all very good with the ball at their feet and working in tight areas or when pressed.
Martial and O.Dembele give us that real pace & width to draw the opposition out wide and give us space in central areas, first train of thought should be to get us going forward and taking on their FB's using their pace and strong acceleration using our fb's as a decoy.
Dictate the tempo of the game, we can play out casually in deep areas but when we're in their half, i want us moving the ball about at pace and with purpose, drawing them out, exposing their lack of pace at the back and creating gaps.
Lewandowski, natural target man and poacher. Hold up play and wait for runners to go beyond, plenty of creativity in the side so just needs to be at his clinical best.
Defensively, very rigid and looking to press the space, cut the supply to their attackers looking to press more intensively in midfield areas with our trio, isolating their CF of any quality service.
4-3-3 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson 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 Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Dembele/Lewa/Martial as target men to bypass their mf.
Khedira will provide plenty of energy and will work his socks off for the side to allow others around him to express themselves. He should look to stamp his authority with his work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielder's and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Khedira 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 and David Silva 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 their awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.
Defensively look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with Khedira to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times one of them sitting deeper and dictating the tempo alonsgside Khedira allowing the other to make bursts forward to mix it up.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
O.Dembele 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.
Lewandowski 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 Spurs 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 midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.
The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Spurs 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, Khedira man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Silva 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, Khedira holding.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Fernandinho > Khedira
- A.Sanchez > Martial
- Partey > D.Silva (78th min)
Compact 4-3-3, Fernandinho sits and holds, A.Sanchez roams and looks to drive at a tiring defence. Partey fresh energy.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-5-1- wide)
- Sanchez > Martial
- Fernandinho > D.Silva
- Werner > Lewandowski (75th minute)
5 in midfield looking to control possession and work opportunities. Werner look to use his pace to get in behind.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Werner > D.Silva
- A.Sanchez > Martial
- Walker > Zappa
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne/ shoot - Lewandowski
Corners - David Silva / KDB
Pens - Lewandowski
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Aston Villa
Injuries: Wilson, Aubameyang, Juanfran, Digne
-------------------- Ter Stegen
--------- Mustafi - Koscielny - Cahill
Trippier - Jorginho - Gundogan - Hector
-------------- R Sanches --- Eriksen
---------------------- Immobile
Subs: Foderingham, Pepe, Milner, Drinkwater, Lucas, Sigurdsson, Tosun
-----------------
In case of red card, switch from 3-4-2-1 to 3-4-1-1
If Ter Stegen, Sanches off, Foderingham on
If Mustafi/Koscielny/Cahill, Sanches off, Pepe on
If Trippier/Hector, Sanches off, Milner on
If Gundogan/Jorginho, Sanches off, Drinkwater on
If Sanches/Eriksen, no change
If Immobile, Sanches off, Tosun on
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Villa, 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, Koscielny and Cahill in the back three, Trippier and Hector as wingbacks, Jorginho and Gundogan anchoring the midfield, with Christian Eriksen and Renato Sanches in attacking midfield roles off of Immobile upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Villa 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 Immobile.
Mustafi/Koscielny/Cahill - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Koscielny 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.
Trippier/Hector - 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 five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Eriksen 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 Immobile and link with Jorginho/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Jorginho/Gundogan - Gundogan playing the box to box role, assist Jorginho in dealing with the Villa attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Jorginho stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Jorginho to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Gundogan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Eriksen/R Sanches - Playing at AM, both with the trickery to beat the Villa 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 Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Jorginho/Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - 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 Eriksen 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 Gundogan and Jorginho, Eriksen behind Immobile.
If drawing: Cahill and R Sanches off, Lucas Moura and Sigurdsson on. Change to 4-2-3-1, Trippier - Mustafi - Koscielny - Hector, Gundogan and Jorginho in midfield, Lucas - Eriksen - Sigurdsson behind Immobile upfront.
If losing: R Sanches, Mustafi and Cahill off, Tosun, Lucas Moura and Sigurdsson on. 3-1-4-2, Juanfran - Pepe - Hector, Jorginho the playmaker, Lucas - Gundogan - Eriksen - Sigurdsson behind Tosun and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
——————————Courtois
——Christensen———Skriniar——Umtiti
Bernardeschi—Torreira———Savic————Gaya
——————Dybala——————Lemar
———————————Morata
Subs: Pope, Lindelof, Conti, Ceballos, Loftus-Cheek, Sabitzer, Mariano
Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Federico Bernardeschi
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
We want to go and play on the front foot today, pressing Newcastle in their own half. We want the SS’s to press the CBs during build up, using Morata instead to cover the DM, so if Newcastle try to play through him we can quickly force him wider or into a mistake. Our WBs will then push up on to their WB/FBs, leaving just enough space to allow the opposition to use their FBs as an out-ball. CMs then mark the CMs, going with them if they drop deeper to aid build up. Aggressive man to man marking to disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm and force mistakes high up the field. When they go wide we initiate an even harder press with our WB getting right on to theirs with the ball side SS and CM also pushing higher up to close down the passing lanes to the centre, with the wide CB pushing up to protect the space behind the WB and cover balls into the winger. We leave ourselves 3 v 3 at the back which is slightly risky but away to Newcastle, may as well go for it and attack their weaknesses rather than waiting for them to attack us. If they do beat the press down the flank then the wide CBs job is to slow the winger down and force him wide and allow the WB and CM time to come back and create a triangle to press. Essentially we are 3-2-3-2 in the press. When Newcastle do build centrally the WBs narrow into the midfield, allowing us to squeeze the space for quick passing and reduce Newcastle to longer, slower balls.
If our pressing is beaten we resort to Italian style put your opponent on the floor and get everyone behind the ball. At this point we become a 5-3-2 with Lemar/Dybala dropping into the middle so that we dont get overloaded, again keep the centre packed and wait for them to go out to their FBs before pressing(SS and WB), keeping a lower block so that they cant get in behind us with short passes.
When we win the ball we must be quick to counter and in particular quick to use the SS’s to find the gaps in the Newcastle defensive line. In possession we want the wide CBs to stretch out towards the touchline, all the CBs are very comfortable on the ball and will use it quickly to get us forward. Them stretching out will allow our WBs to play higher up and start forcing the opposition WBs/FBs back. By occupying their wide defenders it means we create more space for Dybala and Lemar to get into. At times we want to overload the ball side using these two, so that if Newcastle press 3 v 3 from the front we can drop Torreira back into the defence to overload the press, with Dybala dropping back into the midfield line to draw out their DM and leave Lemar in the ball side half space. Get the ball to Lemar from here and we can get him turning and attacking the oppositions back line, particularly with our WBs keeping the wide defenders pegged back it means that a CB is going to have to step out and open a gap in the defence that Morata can take advantage of, or runs from Bernardeschi/Gaya. At other times we will look for one SS to come towards play and the other to move to the free side, look to move the ball diagonally, continuously switching from side to side to keep Newcastle changing direction and stop them picking up our players.
WBs will be important, particularly Bernardeschi. We’ve gone for two attack minded options today to take advantage of defensive weaknesses out wide, we want them running at the opposition FBs and getting balls into the box, looking for Morata at every available opportunity. Milinkovic-Savic will be a driving force from midfield, if they press high he will be essential for breaking the press with his powerful running, looking to support the SS’s. Dybala and Lemar must be finding the gaps between the lines, be that from dropping deeper or running behind and getting between FB and CB. Both have great technique between the lines and will be able to use quick link up play, particularly with Morata dropping in to facilitate quick inter play. Morata can will also be looking to go the other way when Dybala and Lemar drop to receive the ball, help us to drag the defence in two directions and break the lines, looking to peel off the shoulder of the CBs for crosses and balls into the channel. Torreira and Milinkovic-Savic’s job in possession is to keep things ticking, look for the earliest opportunity to get the ball into the feet of the forwards and if the ball isn’t on move the ball out to the WBs. Torreira will be more involved in build up and more disciplined, allowing Milinkovic-Savic more freedom as our box to box.
Subs:
If Winning: Conti for Bernardeschi 60’, more protection for the defence. Loftus-Cheek for Lemar 70’, 3-5-2. Mariano for Morata 80’, better hold up play.
If Drawing: Conti for Bernardeschi 60’, can add as another target in the box from left wing crosses. Sabitzer and Mariano for Lemar and Morata 70’.
If Losing: Conti and Sabziter for Christensen and Bernardeschi 60’, 4-2-3-1. Mariano for Morata 75’.
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION v Hull City
Injuries: Riedewald, Jese, Brekalo, Callejon
----------------------- Cech
Zabaleta - Sokratis - Evans - Bernat
Ward-Prowse - Carvalho - Pastore
Mkhitaryan - Benzema - Yarmolenko
Subs: Trapp, Holding, Blind, Krychowiak, Lallana, Welbeck, Falcao
-----------------
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Hull 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, Cech in goal, Zabaleta, Sokratis, Evans and Bernat across the back, Ward-Prowse, Carvalho and Pastore in midfield, Mkhitaryan and Yarmolenko either side of Benzema upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Hull 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 Ward-Prowse, Carvalho and Pastore, we control the possession and the flow of the game. Mkhitaryan at RW and Yarmolenko at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Hull defence with Zabaleta and Bernat overlapping. Benzema 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.
Cech - 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 Hull 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 Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko 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 Ward-Prowse/Carvalho/Pastore. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Ward-Prowse/Carvalho/Pastore - Pastore and Ward-Prowse playing the box to box roles, assist Carvalho dealing with the Hull 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. Ward-Prowse to get forward and provide a physical threat alongside Benzema whenever crosses come into the area.
Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Hull 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 Ward-Prowse/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 Hull 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 Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mkhitaryan off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Krychowiak alongside Ward-Prowse/Carvalho in midfield. Yarmolenko to RM and Pastore to LM, look to absorb pressure and hold out for the win.
If losing: Carvalho, Ward-Prowse and Evans off, Lallana, Welbeck and Falcao on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Zabaleta - Sokratis - Bernat, Pastore the playmaker, Yarmolenko - Mkhitaryan - Lallana - Welbeck behind a front two of Benzema and Falcao. Push for goals.
———————————Rico
Toure————Zouma————Diop———Jorge
——Soler———Diawara——Laimer——Oyarzabal
———————Schick————Lukaku
Subs: Dragowski, Elvedi, Barella, Cook, Lo Celso, Neres, B.Keita
Captain: Issa Diop
Corners: Carlos Soler
Penalties: Romelu Lukaku
Free Kicks: Carlos Soler
We expect a very attack minded Leicester side so we are going to be patient, frustrate them and wait for the chance to attack in behind. We expect them to want to play out from the back, we will allow their CBs possession of the ball and instead focus on defending their attackers. Our aim is to force them wider as this is where they will be least dangerous. Schick and Lukaku will form cover around the DM, making sure he can’t be a feature in possession and specially not in build up, force their CBs to use more hurried passes into the next line or play it wider and limit their own space to play in. That allows us to then get 8 players, two narrow banks of 4 to cover the rest of the space, making the centre of the field massively congested. Force them to try and build up wide and then shuffle across to use our same structure but in the wide areas, using the touchline as an extra weapon to press them.
Our midfield four will create a narrow zonal line, Soler and Oyarzabal occupying half spaces and Diawara and Laimer the central lanes. The back four will also be narrow and compact to 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 Leicester to use the FBs more often, once this happens we can go 2 v 2 with wide man and FB, wide man pressing and FB behind to back him up. Schick will drop back in and create a staggered diamond with the remaining 3 midfielders, Schick at the tip moving towards ball side and Diawara 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 Schick 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 look to be very direct, long diagonal balls, we want to get our strikers up against their FBs/DM in the first phase and look to build from there using our significant height advantage. Whenever we win it the first thought will be that longer ball, preferably to get Lukaku/Schick up against Marcelo/Azpi and from there we want the wingers to be making runs off of the strikers, looking to draw out the CBs from the middle and create more space in the box for runners. When we attack in this way the ball side FB will stay back so that if the ball is lost, there isn’t acres of space to attack into down that side, instead letting the CF and the winger do the attacking down that flank. On the opposite side we want both winger and FB to attack, winger becomes an auxiliary forward looking to attack the middle, helping us to go 2 v 1 against the remaining CB in the box, as our FB will occupy the oppositions freed up FB, stop him tracking the winger without leaving an opponent unmarked near the box (Leicester’s wingers aren’t the most defensive minded, in particular attacks down the left will allow Toure to occupy the FB as Hazard won’t come back to help). Alternatively if the CFs are still in close quarters around Kante we can go longer towards them in the centre, usually Schick dropping to receive the long balls as the target man, with Lukaku then making the run towards goal, CBs will stick with the player directly moving towards goal and Kante wont beat Schick in the air which means he can get the ball won and get it out wide where we can run at retreating defenders, in these cases we want both FB and winger to attack and double up down the ball side flank. The aim will be to work in triangles, winger, FB and CM to build the attack down the wing. Opposite side FB stays back to create a back 3 and opposite side winger tucks infield to give us a 3 v 3 centrally and allow the ball side CM more options in possession and more freedom to hep create. From here the aim is to get the ball into the box or come back infield to link up around the area. When this happens the CFs will work on a tangent, one going towards goal and the other coming away to drop into space to help the move flowing, usually Schick dropping and Lukaku poaching but this can be switched up. Wingers will make runs into channels and FB to the byeline, from these positions get the ball into the box and take advantage of having two CFs.
Subs:
If Winning: Neres for Lukaku 70’, 4-5-1, Soler shifts to CM and Neres out wide, fresh legs up against a FB who’s going to push further forward. Cook and Elvedi for Oyarzabal and Soler 80’, 5-3-2 more or less, but off the ball ball side forward drops into midfield line to track FB.
If Drawing: Neres and Lo Celso for Oyarzabal and Soler 70’, fresh legs but a change of empahsis on either side, Neres more tricky on the right to go at Marcelo and Lo Celso on the left drifting in field more. Balde Keita for Schick 75’, extra pace up front looking to put defenders on the back foot.
If Losing: Neres for Laimer 65’, Soler to CM, two pacy wingers to really go at the opposition. Balde Keita and Lo Celso for Schick and Jorge 75’, 3-4-3, two very attacking WBs look to push them back and put the pressure on late on.
----------------------- De Gea -----------------------
Carvajal ---- Bonucci ---- Lenglet ---- Emerson
---------- Tolisso -- Busquets -- Pogba -----------
Mahrez ------------ S.Aguero ------------ Neymar
Butland, Sanchez, Foden, Paredes, Jesus, Bailey, Poulsen
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.
Bonucci and Lenglet at CB, Lenglet picks up th CF, Bonucci 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 Busquets or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both go up for corners, Tolisso and the fullbacks stay back.Carvajal and Emerson 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, Emerson gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mahrez 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, Busquets 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 and Emerson 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 Pogba and Tolisso alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Spurs are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Pogba and Tolisso are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets 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 Spurs fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Pogba will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero , looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself,
In Mahrez 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/wingbacks, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal/Emerson as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mahrez is more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace, beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero 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 Emerson in support and Pogba 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.
Aguero 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 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 Mahrez and Neymar & Pogba, 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.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Winning -
70 Mins - Leon Bailey for Mahrez to push them back when they go more attacking
80 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, can hold the ball up very well and take to corners, still good for a goal if need be, Paredes for Pogba, strong in the tackle and helps out defensively
Losing -
70 Mins - Bailey and Jesus for Mahrez and Tolisso 442 Bailey with frightening pace down the right and a two man strike forcewith Neymar should bring us back in it hopefully
80 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, if we need to go high and long he is a good target man to aim for and knock it down for those coming in
Drawing -
70 Mins - Bailey for Mahrez, Jesus for Aguero
80 Mins - Foden for Pogba, 4231 with Foden playing as a No.10 just behind Jesus
Tottenham Hotspur
----------------------- K.Navas ----------------------
-------- Boateng –-- Van Dijk --– D.Rugani ------
D.Alves --- Bakayoko ----- Verratti ----- L.Sane
----------------------- B.Silva -----------------------
-------------- M.Icardi ----- M.Balotelli -----------
Subs:
Carevic, Aurier, Rodriguez, Fabregas, Willian, Carrasco, Dembele
Captain: van Dijk
Free Kicks: D.Alves
Penalties: Balotelli
Corners: B.Silva
Team Tactics:
When the opposition are in possession we sit deep not allowing any space in behind. We have three strong CB’s with the wingbacks dropping in to create a solid back 5. In addition to this our two holding midfield players will sit in and screen the defence, in effect creating a defensive unit of 7 players all camped within our own half. Our aim will be to congest our half of the pitch, the opposition have some world class forwards however we aim to give them no space to operate. We won't chase the ball and will instead let them try and play through us, increasing the chances of turning over possession.
If the opposition press we will look to use this to our advantage, drawing them on to us and getting the ball out wide to our wingbacks to drive forward. Our game plan is simple, sit deep in our own half allowing the opposition little room to operate and hitting them on the counter attack, getting the ball out wide and into our forwards. With the oppositions wingers unlikely to track back this will allow ample space for our wingbacks to exploit, the aim will be to whip balls into our front two, both of whom carry a real threat in the air whilst being deadly when receiving the ball in and around the opposition’s box
We will mix our play up, pinning the oppositions defence back through our pace out wide whilst also creating triangles through central midfield, utilising Bernardo Silva in the hole as another attacking avenue as the playmaker has the ability to open up the opposition and pick out the runs of the strikers ahead of him. Verratti will also spray the ball out from deep as we look to win back possession and quickly turn defence into attack. If our wingbacks push forward then our holding midfield players will drop in with our LCB and RCB covering the flanks, we will out all times have at least 5 men offering defensive cover to counter the attack.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas – Fantastic shot stopping keeper who will look to dominate the box, come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces. With little to no room in front of him we expect the opposition to attempt shots from distance as they become increasingly frustrated by the lack of space. He will be alert at all times and tuned in to the increased threat from distance.
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. VVD will play through the middle and pick up the striker, sticking tight and giving no room to manoeuvre. 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 Rugani will offer support to the wingbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Wingbacks – Arguably our two most important players today with both playing very different roles. Whilst both will offer width and have license to push forward, Sane in particular will be a key attacking outlet. Playing slightly deeper than usual this should afford him a great deal of space and will look to drive forward at every opportunity. He will carry the ball in possession, whipping crosses in for the forwards to attack whilst also utilising his superb dribbling ability to drive to the byline and cut the ball back for one of Icardi or Balotelli to finish. If Neymar starts then D.Alves will be tasked with keeping him quiet, he has a history of doing so and we expect him to stick tight to his Brazilian counterpart at all times. He will man mark the winger when in possession and follow any runs inside, snapping into tackles and not letting him settle. With the pacy Boateng offering support in behind we will combine these two to subdue the threat posed by the winger. When in possession Alves will look to whip crosses in from deep, he has superb delivery and our forwards will thrive off this. He will however refrain from pushing too far forward as he will at all times be wary of the threat posed by the opposition on the counter.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Bakayoko will sit in front of the defence forming a screen. Bakayoko will look to physically impose himself, dominating any balls in the air and will our physical presence in the middle of the park. Verratti alongside him will be the distributor in chief, he will be responsible for winning back possession, creating a turnover and setting up our counter attacks with his superb passing ability. B.Silva will be slightly more advanced, sitting in the hole, creating triangles in the middle, pulling the opposition out of position for us to exploit. As soon as possession is won we will look to counter and immediately get the ball to our forwards.
Forwards – We play two up top as we go for goals, the pace, power and movement offered by these two will cause the opposition problems. Both will attack the box looking to get on the end of crosses and put away any chances that fall their way. With plenty of creativity in behind them we fancy them to have plenty of opportunities and both are predatory instinctive finishers. If our side is pinned back by the opposition they will both stay up top, offering an immediate outlet with a long ball forward as we look to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Balotelli and Silva off, Willian and Rodriguez on. We go 5-4-1, Alves drops to RB, Rodriguez to LB we play a solid back 5, creating a brick wall in front of our goal. Willian and Sane play on the flanks of a 4 man midfield with Icardi the lone man up top. We make ourselves compact and difficult to play through as we see the game out.
If drawing: Silva and Bakayoko off, Carrasco and Fabregas on. Carrasco offers a new threat and increased pace in the AM role, taking advantage of tired legs of the opposition whilst Cesc adds increased creativity in the middle of the park as we look to carve out a winner.
If losing: Rugani and Bakayoko off, Fabregas and Carrasco on. We go all guns blazing with a front 4 of Sane, Icardi, Balotelli, Carrasco and Verratti and Fabregas supplying the ammunition. We push the opposition back, creating plenty of chances as we go for goals.
Liverpool v HULL CITY
----------------------------Horn
Klostermann---Pavard-----Baumgartl------- Zinchenko
-----------------Ascacíbar------Tousart
-------Lopes--------------Fekir----------Forsberg
-----------------------------Milik
Subs: Pollersbeck, Uduokhai, Augustinsson, Frenkie de Jong, Aouar, Ziyech, Brandt
Our defensive unit consists of Benjamin Pavard and Timo Baumgartl paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Lucas Tousart as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Tousart 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 Tousart 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 Tousart’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Tousart 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 Rony Lopes, Nabil Fekir and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik 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 Tousart, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Klostermann and Zinchenko can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Tousart can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Rony Lopes and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Nabil Fekir our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Fekir 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 Lopes, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess 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 75 mins
Frenkie de Jong on for Ascacíbar and Brandt on for Forsberg
---------------------- Cech ---------------------
Cedric ---- Sokratis ---- J.Evans ---- Bernat
--------- Krychowiak ---- Carvalho -----------
J.Callejon ----- Mkhitaryan ---- Yarmolenko
-------------------- Benzema --------------------
Trapp, Holding, Fellaini, Prowse, Walcott, Welbeck, falcao
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Wolves side, I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Benzema to finish.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Wolves have some decent players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three/four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Mkhit, Krych and Carvalho, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Callejon at RW and Yarmolenko at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Liverpool defence with Cedric and Bernat overlapping. Benzema 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.
Cech - 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 Falcao.
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.
Cedric/Bernat - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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/Yarmolenko 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 MkhitCarvalho/Pastore. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Krychowiak/Carvalho- Krychowiak playing the box to box roles, assist Carvalho dealing with the Wolves 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, Krycho to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Mkhitaryan play in his favoured No.10 role, he must support Benzema best he can, look to play him in with deft touches and quality through balls, stop there DM dictating play, also at times will find himself pushing right up alongside benzema
Callejon/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Wolves 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 Mkhitaryan, 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 Wolves 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 link up with Mkhitaryan very quicklyon occasion.
------------------
Subs -
Winning -
70 Mins - Fellaini for Mkhitaryan sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Holding for Callejon, go to CB in a 5 man defence, Yarmolenko just off Benzema 5411
85 Mins - Walcott for Benzema to run at everything
Drawing -
70 Mins - Walcott and Welbeck for Callejon and Yarmolenko fresh pace
80 Mins - Falcao for benzema
Losing -
70 Mins - Holding for Cedric, Welbeck for Bernat, Falcao for Yarmolenko 3412
Samba Tiki-taka
We look to take the game to Newcastle. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Newcastle. Get the two brothers linking up in cm. We look to press them high up the pitch. We have an energetic side full of pace that can play at a high tempo.
Costa comes in up front, his bustling style will be key to making space for and getting the best out of our wide attackers.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top.
In midfield, we go with the Thiago and Rafinha partnership, Thiago the playmaker, Rafinha the one looking to get in between the lines and always linking the play. Their link up together will be a highlight of our play with quick one twos and the ability to beat a man.
In front we go with fantastic pace and ability to create, with Costa the danger man, creating space for the trio and getting in the box to finish any chances.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. We go with two attacking fbs, stretching the game for us and creating space for our cms to control the game. While also offering options in attack and giving more freedom to the wingers.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
We defend in a rigid defensive unit high up the pitch behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the ball, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.
------------------- Neuer
Odriozola – Ramos - Otamendi – Marcelo
-------------------- Kante
--------------- Thiago -- Rafinha
--- Hazard ---------------------- Richarlison --
------------------ D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Romagnoli, Can, Alena, Malcom, Sylla, Ronaldo
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space high up the pitch with a narrow rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Costa gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
Force them in to positions where they have to take risks, and then try and win the ball back.
As the Newcastle advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Newcastle are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Rafinha and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Odriozola and Marcelo will always be making themselves available advanced down the wings.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Rafinha, Thiago, Marcelo, Odiozola and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Sylla for Richarlison and Alena for Rafinha. Fresh legs, pace and youthful exuberance to keep a high tempo.
After 75 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
——————————Pope
Fabinho——Lindelof——Skriniar——Gaya
—————————Torreira
----------Zielinski—————Savic
Sabitzer—————Morata—————Philipp
Subs: Svilar, Conti, Vallejo, Ceballos, Tielemans, Dybala, Sancho
Captain: Fabinho
Free Kicks: Fabinho/Marcel Sabitzer
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Marcel Sabitzer
Our build up will usually take place in a 2-3-2-3/3-2-2-3 today in order to create overloads and passing lanes within the opposition lines of defence. For a clean build up we need numerical superiority so if they press with their forwards Fabinho will tuck in next to the CBs whilst Zielinski/Savic(dependent on side of build up) and Torreira drop to receive the ball from the defence, with Zielinski/Milinkovic-Savic and Philipp occupying the 10 spaces and Gaya and Sabitzer stretched to the touchlines to stretch the opposition back line. If Hull drop off then we change this by having Fabinho pushing into CM to create a 3 man CM. This will then allow our CBs to bring the ball forward and play the ball to one of the three CMs, once this happens a Hull midfielder will have to step out to slow play down and this will open space up for Savic/Zielinski and Philipp in behind the opposition midfield.
Once we establish dominance of possession and force Hull to be more compact defensively to stop these gaps opening up our aim is to create overloads to create space in the opposite side, usually this would be through the flanks or the half spaces. To make this happen we need constant movement of players and clever ball circulation, with never more than 3 players in vertical or horizontal alignment, working in triangles or duos, so that when Gaya stretches high and wide, Philipp takes up the half space, when Gaya sits deeper and inverted, Philipp occupies the touchline, when Gaya is infield, Savic can move forward into the half space etc.
We want to target crosses into Morata today so we will look to overload our left side, Gaya stretching the game out, occupying the FB with Philipp in the left half space and Savic supporting from LCM with Morata occupying the CBs. Zielinski can also move further across and leave Torreira free deeper to link the play quickly. By working the ball through the left side and keeping an overload it means that Hull will have to come across and in particular it will leave their CMs having to press Philipp, Savic and Zielinski. This should free up the space for Fabinho to get into the right half space, for us to switch the ball to him and for him to deliver a great cross in to Morata. Alternatively if the space opens up Savic, Philipp, Gaya and Morata have the kind of link up play that can open Hull’s back line up.
Also look to create space on the flanks when we build up centrally, inverting Fabinho at all times as he can occupy the right half space and pick his passes from there, including the long diagonal switches to the underloaded flank that’s going to kill Hull today. By having a 3 man midfield of Fabinho, Torreira and Savic and then Zielinski and Philipp further a head in the half spaces we give Hull’s midfield a lot more space to cover, especially with Savic and Zielinski’s ability to drive forward and they will need their wingers to respond by tucking in, once this happens we will create 1 v 1’s on the flanks, Sabizter vs LB, Gaya vs RB, where we have a clear advantage, we should be looking to get the ball to them as quickly as possible to take advantage, be that from the CMs or the CBs who can completely bypass their midfield with their passing range.
To finish off moves we look to get the ball into the box where Morata will be waiting to pounce, Philipp should also be looking to attack the area as well as Savic who can provide the physical presence.
Off the ball the 2-3-2-3 should allow us a solid structure to press the opposition quickly. The advanced 5 should be doing the pressing when the ball is lost up the field and from goal kicks, focusing on squeezing Hull into one corner, so if the ball goes to the RCB/RB Morata and the wide player are the first line press with the opposite winger and the 2 AM’s being the 2nd line press to block of the routes to the other side and vertical lanes, pen them in and force them to go longer, Hull’s midfield won’t play through us today.
This then allows the remaining block of 5 to form a bowl shape around the opposition attackers, with Fabinho and Savic/Gaya covering the half space and flanks, Skriniar marking the CF, and Lindelof providing the additional cover be it to his side or in front of him. Torreira covers the central ground, when others put the pressure on he comes to mop up with his great work rate and then use his passing range to restart attacks.
If we are forced to defend deeper we remain in our 4-3-3, a solid shape with allows us to cover the length of the field and keep our strength centrally with Torreira, Savic and Zielinski able to the dirty work. Sabizter and Philipp are two hard working wingers who will track when required.
Subs:
If Winning: Vallejo and Conti for Milinkovic-Savic and Philipp 70’, 3-5-2 with Fabinho moving to DM alongside Torreira and Zielinski. Ceballos for Zielinski 80’, look to keep us in control of possession.
If Drawing: Dybala for Zielinski 65’, play with two number 10’s. Conti and Sancho for Torreira and Philipp 75’, Fabinho into midfield and allows Conti and Gaya to both stretch opponents from FB. Sancho on as fresh legs to run at tiring defenders.
If Losing: Dybala and Ceballos for Gaya and Zielinski 60’, 3-2-3-2, Ceballos on to provide more control alongside Torreira and Dybala next to Morata, go 2 v 2 with the CBs. Tielemans for Torreira 70’, another top player on the ball, look to dictate the game alongside Ceballos.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Brighton
Injuries: Sigurdsson (other injured players sold)
Suspended: Trippier
-------------------- Ter Stegen
--------- Mustafi - Koscielny - Cahill
Juanfran - Jorginho - Gundogan - Hector
-------------- R Sanches --- Eriksen
------------------- Aubameyang
Subs: Foderingham, Pepe, Milner, Kenedy, Drinkwater, Musonda, Immobile
-----------------
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, Koscielny and Cahill in the back three, Juanfran and Hector as wingbacks, Jorginho and Gundogan anchoring the midfield, with Christian Eriksen 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/Koscielny/Cahill - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Koscielny 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.
Juanfran/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 Eriksen 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/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Jorginho/Gundogan - Gundogan playing the box to box role, assist Jorginho in dealing with the Brighton attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Jorginho stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Jorginho to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Gundogan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Eriksen/R 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/Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile'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 Eriksen and Sanches on occasion. Try and link with those two to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Sanches off, Drinkwater on. 5-3-1-1, wingbacks to fullback, Drinkwater in midfield alongside Gundogan and Jorginho, Eriksen behind Aubameyang.
If drawing: R Sanches off, Immobile on. Change to 3-4-1-2, Eriksen behind Aubameyang and Immobile, push for the winner.
If losing: R Sanches, Mustafi and Cahill off, Musonda, Immobile and Kenedy on. 3-1-4-2, Juanfran - Pepe - Hector, Jorginho the playmaker, Musonda - Gundogan - Eriksen - Kenedy behind Aubameyang and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Hummels — Sule — Rose
————————— Pjanic
—————— Nainggolan — Keita
Salah ————————————————— Coutinho
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Robertson, N’Zonzi, Casemiro, Ozil, Mina, Firmino
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Pjanic in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Nainggolan, Salah, Coutinho, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Pjanic sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Keita. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Firmino for Keita. Nainggolan will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Firmino with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
New week line ————————————
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Hummels — Sule — Rose
————————— Pjanic
—————— Nainggolan — Keita
Salah ————————————————— Reus
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Robertson, N’Zonzi, Casemiro, Ozil, Kane, Firmino
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Pjanic in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Nainggolan, Salah, Reus, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Pjanic sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Keita. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Kane for Keita. Nainggolan will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Kane with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
Birmingham v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
-------------------- Forster --------------------
------ Boateng -- Van Dijk -- Chiellini ------
------------- Verratti --- Wilshere ------------
- Bellerin --------- B.Silva ------- Carrasco -
-------------- M.Icardi -- L.Sane --------------
Subs:
Carevic, Rugani, Rodriguez, D.Alves, Bakayoko, Gueirrero, Dembele
Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: B.Silva
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: B.Silva
Injuries:
Blaise Matuidi, Ashley Young, Mario Balotelli. Cesc Fabregas
Team Tactics:
We go with a 3-5-2 as we look to take the game to our opponents, pressing them high up the pitch, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas as we put their players under pressure when in possession and hit them with our array of attacking threats.
When in possession we look to play quick passes, our transition from defence to attack will be swift as we get the ball to our double pivot of Verratti and Wilshere to dictate the play. Silva in the hole has license to roam whilst our wide players push forward from the flanks. Up top we go with Sane alongside Icardi, this will be key in our press from the front as Sane will look to hound the opposition’s defence and not allow them to settle. The pace of Bellerin and Carrasco will be an increased threat from the flanks, both will track back when not in possession however they have license to get forward when we are on the ball comfortable in the knowledge that we have three top class CB’s patrolling our defence.
When the opposition are in possession – we drop into a 5-3-2 formation, the wingers drop into defence with Bernardo slotting into a midfield three 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.
Set pieces will be key and an area that we will specifically target. Silva’s dead ball delivery is superb and with the aerial ability of Boateng, van Dijk and Chiellini we will look to cause havoc in the oppositions box at any opportunity. If the free kick is within shooting range then Icardi will look to continue his superb goalscoring form.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster – Dominant keeper with fantastic shot stopping ability. He will dominate the box, come for the ball and commanding on set pieces. We look to start attacks from the back, distributing to our CB’s or if the opposition press we take advantage of this by spraying the ball out wide, immediately bypassing the press and putting us on the front foot.
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. VVD will play through the middle and pick up the striker, sticking tight and giving no room to manoeuvre. Boateng and Chiellini will offer cover for any balls in behind and support to the wingbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Wingers – They will both form part of our attacking arsenal as we look to overwhelm our opponents. Carrasco in particular will be a key attacking outlet as he will look to drive forward at every opportunity, taking on opponents and pinning the opposition back. He will carry the ball in possession, whipping crosses in for the forwards to attack whilst also utilising his superb dribbling ability to drive to the byline and cut the ball back for one of Icardi or Sane to finish. Bellerin lines up on the other flank and his searing pace will be key on the counter as he looks to whip crosses in for our two cenre forwards to pounce. He will however be aware of the threat posed by the opposition and will track back offering increased defensive cover when not in possession.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Wilshere will form a double pivot in midfield. They are both superb technicians as we look to open up the opposition. With Silva slightly ahead of them in the AM role these three will be key in retaining possession and creating chances for our forwards. Quick slick passing will move their counterparts out of position, we will make them continually chase the ball and all three have the ability to open them up should the opposition choose to sit deep. Verratti and Wilshere will also offer defensive cover when not in possession, both offer tenacity and bite in the challenge as we look to create turnovers and quickly hit the opposition on the counter attack. B.Silva will be slightly more advanced, sitting in the hole behind the strikers and dropping in to pockets of space making him difficult to pick up.
Forwards – We play two up top as we go for goals, the pace, power and movement offered by these two will cause the opposition problems. Both will attack the box looking to get on the end of crosses and put away any chances that fall their way. With plenty of creativity in behind them we fancy them to have plenty of opportunities. They will press from the front and Sane offers the increased threat on the counter as we are able to break at speed. Both are accomplished finishers and with the likes of Verratti, Wilshere, Bernardo and Carrasco supplying the ammunition we will be aiming for goals.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Carrasco and Silva off, Rodriguez and D.Alves on. We go 5-4-1, Bellerin drops to RB, Rodriguez to LB we play a solid back 5, forming a brick wall in front of our goal. Sane and D.Alves drop to the flanks offering increased defensive cover in a 4 man midfield with Icardi the lone man up top. We make ourselves compact and difficult to play through as we see the game out.
If drawing: Bellerin and Carrasco off, D.Alves and Gueirrero on. We go 3-4-3 with Silva, Icardi and Sane in a front 3 whilst Alves and Gueirrero push forward from the flanks as we look to carve out a winner.
If losing: Chiellini and Bellerin off, D.Alves and Dembele on. We go all guns blazing with Dembele going up front alongside Sane and Icardi. Carrasco, B.Silva and Alves push forward in support as we go for goals.
--------------------- Pickford -----------------------
Danilo ---- Kompany ---- Manolas ---- Wendell
------------ Pellegrini ---- Llorente --------------
--- J.Mata --------- Barkley --------- D.Costa ---
-------------------- Jorgensen ----------------------
Leno, Llorente, Ramsey, El Shaarawy, D.Jota, Belotti, Mandzukic
In goal Pickford, 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.
Danilo and Wendell 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 Jorgensen. 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.. Manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both strong 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. Manolas and Kompany up for corners, fullbacks and Marcos Llorente 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 Manolas and Kompany 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..
Marcos Llorente'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
Pellegrini 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. Barkley'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 Barkley 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.
Costa and Mata 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 Pellegrini and Barkley 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. Costa will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Barkley to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Jorgensen so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Jorgensen 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 the midfield 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 the wingers and Barkley 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 Costa, Mata and Barkley as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
Captain - Kompany
Pens - D.Costa
Free Kicks - Barkley
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - D.Jota for Barkley and he goes to LW, Costa to RW and Mata to No.10
80 Mins - Danilo into a back 3, Belotti and Mandzukic for Wendell and Jorgensen and they go up top 3412
Winning -
70 Mins - Belotti for Jorgensen, Ramsey for Barkley and into a into a 3 man midfield
80 Mins Jota for Mata he goes to LW and Costa to RW
Drawing -
70 Mins - Jota for Barkley and to LW, Costa to RW and Mata to No.10, Belotti for Jorgensen
80 Mins - El Shaarawy for Costa
-------------------- J.Butland ---------------------
Carvajal --- Sanchez --- Laporte --- A.Sandro
-------- Tolisso --- Busquets --- Draxler -------
Mbappe ----------- G.Jesus ------------ Neymar
Walton, Lengelt, Rakitic, Pogba, Coman, Mahrez, Poulsen
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 Butland 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 Laporte at CB, Sanchez picks up th CF, Laporte 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 Busquets or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep.
Sandro and Carvajal 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 Carvajal 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, Busquets 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 Sandro/Carvajal 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 Tolisso and Draxler alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Stoke are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly,
like said Tolisso and Draxler are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets 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 Italy 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 Jesus , looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself,
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 Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Jesus 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.
Jesus 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 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.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Busquets
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Winning -
70 Mins - Rakitic for Draxler, a bit more solid in the mid 3
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus can hold it up bully defenders for final ten, still good for a goal
Losing -
70 Mins - Poulsen for Draxler 442 , will win high balls if we go that route for Jesus to latch onto
80 Mins - Coman for Mbappe straight swap
83 Mins - Sandro to LM, Neymar up top in a 3, Busquets to CB, Carvajal off for Pogba 343
Drawing -
70 Mins - Pogba for Draxler, Coman for Mbappe
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus
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Tactics
Page 58 of 65
59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63
posted on 18/1/18
----------------------- B.Leno ----------------------
Valencia --- Kompany --- Manolas --- Wendell
--------------------- M.Llorente --------------------
-------------- Goretzka ---- R.Barkley ------------
----- Costa --------- A.Belotti ------- James -----
Dahlberg, D.Llorente, Ramsey, Cyprien, Pellegrini, el Shaarawy, Aspas
In goal Leno, 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.
Valencia and Wendell 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 Belotti. 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.. Manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both strong 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. Manolas and Kompany up for corners, fullbacks and Marcos Llorente 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 Manolas and Kompany 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..
Marcos Llorente'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
Goretzka 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. Barkley'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 Barkley 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.
Costa and James 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 Goretzka and Barkley 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. Costa will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Barkley to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Belotti so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Belotti 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 the midfield 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 the wingers and Barkley 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 James and Barkley as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
Captain - Kompany
Pens - Belotti
Free Kicks - James
Corners - James
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - el Shaarawy for Barkley he goes to LW and James to No.10
80 Mins - Valencia and Wendell off, D.Llorente and Aspas on, 3412
Winning -
70 Mins - Pellegrini for Barkley, making our midfield strnger defensively
80 Mins - Aspas for Belotti
Drawing -
70 Mins - el Shaarawy for Barkley, he goes to LW, James to No.10 to support Apsas as he comes on for Belotti at the same time
posted on 19/1/18
Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth
----------------------- K.Navas -----------------------
--------- Boateng –- Van Dijk -– Chiellini ---------
D.Alves ---- Bakayoko -–-- Verratti --- Rodriguez
-------- B.Silva ---------------------- L.Sane --------
----------------------- M.Icardi -----------------------
Subs:
Forster, Rugani, S.Aurier, A.Young, Willian, M.Dembele, M.Balotelli
Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: Rodriguez
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: B.Silva
Team Tactics:
If the opposition press we will look to use this to our advantage, drawing them on to us which will in turn create space for our attacking players to exploit. We have three world class CB’s marshalling our backline, all of whom are comfortable on the ball. We expect the opposition to play with a front three and will likely look to press when we are on the ball, if so we will look to quickly get the ball out to our fullbacks to bypass the press, thus taking out their front three and creating an immediate overload. The opposition will then be forced to engage our fullback using either one of their CM’s or fullback. If a CM presses this will create space in the middle of the park for us to begin our attack, if the opposition fullback presses we will look to quickly get the ball down the flanks, exploiting the space in behind, creating a 3 on 3 in attack against defence and a situation where we will have an opportunity to score.
When the opposition are in possession our fullbacks will drop in and create a back 5. In addition to this our two holding midfield players will sit in and screen the defence, in effect creating a defensive unit of 7 players all camped within our own half. Our aim will be to congest our half of the pitch, the opposition have some world class creative players however we aim to give them no space to operate, we will sit deep leaving no space in behind and with three CB’s, two fullbacks and two holding midfielders all sitting within our own half we will be extremely difficult to play through. We won't chase the ball and will instead let them try and play through us, increasing the chances of turning over possession.
We will not press the opposition in their own half and instead let them have the ball, this will draw their defenders forward creating space in behind for our attack to exploit. The more players the opposition push forward the more congested our half of the pitch will become, in addition the more space left behind will play into our counter attacking tactics, the pace of Sane will be key as we look to break with Icardi making runs into the box and Silva looking to cut inside from the right.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas – Fantastic shot stopping keeper who will look to dominate the box, come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces. With little to no room in front of him we expect the opposition to attempt shots from distance as they become increasingly frustrated by the lack of space. He will be alert at all times and tuned in to the increased threat from distance. If the opposition press we bypass this by pushing the fullbacks forward and going out wide, immediately bypassing the first wave of the press and creating space in behind the opposition.
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. VVD 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 then Boateng and Chiellini will mark with VVD 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 Chiellini will offer support to the fullbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Fullbacks – Two solid fullbacks who's focus today will be forming a solid defensive unit alongside the three CB’s. When the opposition are in possession they drop back, creating a rigid back 5 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.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Bakayoko will sit in front of the defence forming a screen. Bakayoko will look to physically impose himself, dominating any balls in to the air, overpowering the opposition to win back possession and making driving runs when in possession to set up a counter attack. Verratti alongside him will be the distributor in chief, he will be responsible for creating chances for our front three and our passmaster in the middle of the park. He will be playing a slightly deeper than usual role today screening the defence however his superb passing ability will be key to setting up our attacks, spraying long passes out to the flanks which we expect to be vacated by the oppositions fullbacks. As soon as possession is won we will look to counter and immediately get the ball to our forwards.
Forwards – We play three up top who’s individual qualities dovetail perfectly. Sane has the sheer pace to terrify the oppositions defence, we expect him to have plenty of space on the counter attack as we look to play on the break. Silva has superb dribbling ability and distribution, if he has the opportunity to cut inside and shoot he will, if not then he will look for the runs of Icardi who is a predator in the box. All three forwards have license to shoot on sight and all have the ability to finish with aplomb.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Silva and Alves off, Willian and Aurier on. We go 5-4-1, Aurier offering fresh legs and more defensive protection as we play a solid back 5, creating a brick wall in front of our goal as we see the game out. Willian’s work rate will also prove invaluable in tracking back the full back whilst offering an increased threat of pace on the break.
If drawing: Willian and A.Young on, Silva and Rodriguez off. Willian adds increased pace and threat on the counter attack as we look to go more direct, Young slots in at LWB offering an increased goal threat and delivery into the box as we look for a winner.
If losing: Chiellini and Bakayoko off, Balotelli and Willian on. We go with Icardi and Balotelli up top with Wilian, B.Silva and Sane in behind. We push the opposition back and look to dominate possession, creating plenty of chances as we go for goals.
posted on 19/1/18
Villa away at Wolves
Injuries:
Claudio Marchisio
Elseid Hysaj
Angel Di Maria
Filipp Kohn
………………………………………….Oblak……………………
……………………De Vrij………Godin………..Luiz………
F.Luis……………..Modric………….Kessie………….Davies
……………………………………Hamsik………………………….
…………………………….Cavani……..Griezmann………………
Subs: Scuffett, Mere, Jones, Gagliardini, Robben, Higuain, Chiesa
Local derby away at the golden palace against a team that have improved no end and now sit above us in the table.
Fast paced possession football from us today as we look to build on a solid spine, take the sting out of Wolves and use our pace up-front to get at them.
Oblak is a fantastic shot-stopper, quick off his line to collect any crosses or loose through balls, with the ball short crisp passes or throws out to the back 5, or if a quick counters on can go long.
The back three – De Vrij and Luiz will shuffle wide when we have the ball, creating more space for ball retention, can also hit those tasty diagonals to switch play and relieve the pressure, when we don’t have the ball I want them back in on Godin’s shoulders. Godin will man mark the central striker, if it’s Auba don’t get too close as if he spins he’s gone and you wont catch him.
Luis is on the right Davies the left, will need to push up today get us some extra width and turn wolves’ wide-men and keep em running towards their own goal, with the ball I want nice early crosses – drilled not floating, our front two will gamble, one goes front stick one goes back stick and with Hamsik in there as well the key is early delivery.
Modric is my peak Pirlo with Kessie as my Gattuso…Modders will hold the centre of the park and ping his passes around whilst Kessie will provide the engine and muscle in the box to box role.
Hamsik plays as my #10, more goals now for Napoli than Diego, so that ends the not enough goals argument, great player and a good work ethic, will put a foot in but links the play nicely, will look to arrive into the box to get on those crosses from our wing-backs or snaffle up any loose balls.
Griezmann is given the free role today and I want him drifting wide taking a defender with him creating that space for Hamsik to get into and give us the over-load,
Cavani gets the nod over Higuain purely on his extra pace and work-rate we want to run this Wolves defence into the ground and tire them out…Cav and Griez will be none stop movement switching sides and trying to create the gaps, for the pay-off at the end.
Subs 75 mins:
Griezmann, Hamsik, Cavani off
Robben Chiesa and Higuain on
line up as a 3-4-3
Robben…………..Higuain………..Chiesa
fresh legs for the last 15 mins and Robben and Chiesa’s pace could turn the tide
posted on 20/1/18
---------------------Buffon
Clyne---Rudiger---Verthongen---Blind
-------------------Wanyama
---------Strootman------Parejo
Sterling-----------------------------Son
------------------Lacazette
Subs
Butland, Kurzawa, Sidibe, Bender, Gray, Cuadrado, Sanabria
Buffon is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will take control of the situation, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counters started.
Verthongen is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both 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 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.
The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of the pitch, working in collaboration with the front 3 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 Lacazette, 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 Lacazette is attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to get the ball and pass it along to another attacker or face up the defenders and take them on. When running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his reactions to get ahead of the defender and then use his strength to cut in front of the defender, causing them to either stop their forward momentum completely, or make the foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long, then using his tireless energy reserves to work back and press their centre mids.
Set Pieces
Corners - Parejo 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 FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Lacazette 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, Son and Sterling flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Wanyama looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him to create less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Strooty takes a position just outside the box to pick up weak clearances and go for the odd thundercunt, as well as occasionally providing the short option to try and draw 2 defenders out of the box.
Free Kicks - Parejo takes Direct FK's
For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners
Penalties - Lacazette is the designated taker.
Subs
If Winning
70 mins - Cuadrado for Son - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.
82 + 86 Mins - Vecino for Parejo and Gray for Sterling - Actively time waste and really frustrate the opposition.
If Drawing
70 Mins - Kurzawa for Blind - Add a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.
If Losing
67 Mins - Cuadrado and Kurzawa for Wanyama and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and just pile forward in numbers.
posted on 20/1/18
BRUM vs Arsenal
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Dembele-----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inaki---------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy------------------------------------------
Subs - Ake, Allan, Winks, Lingard, Rashford, Rodrigo, Gomez
CAPTAIN - MATIC
CK'S - PERISIC
FK'S - PERISIC
PENALTIES - PERISIC
Going with the tried and tested 4231 this week. Solid in defence while also lethal in attack.
I want us to play high up and to not give the Arsenal attackers any room to breath. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. When we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
Batalla a quality young keeper. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Gomez and Bailly bring a whole lot of pace to the defence. They are probably 2 of the quickest CB's around and will be able to handle any pacy players coming at them. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Matic and Dembele will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mids
Matic + Dembele
Matic will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or play a through ball from deep to our strikers. Dembele will play more as a b2b. He will be making run's forward and helping our attackers with quick passes and penetrating runs from deep.
Wingers
Inaki + Perisic
Inaki and Perisic are two quick wingers but with a sense of physicality to them. They are tall and have to ability to use their strength to shrug off oppo defenders. Inaki will look to play on the outside and get to the byline and whip in some crosses. Perisic likewise although he is one of the most ambidextrous footed players in the world and is comfortable on using both his feet, so I want him to mix things up and cut in from time to time and make space for a shot. I want you both to help track back and help the full backs when they are in our half of the pitch.
Attack Mid
Dele Alli
Dele will look to have a free role in midfield. I want him to make different types of runs from midfield so it is harder for the oppo to mark you. Make diagonal runs and drift into the wings etc. You will be the link between the midfield and the attack. Play quick passes and play 1 2's to find space and create a chance to shoot.
Striker
Vardy
Vardy will look to use his pace and play off the oppo defenders shoulders and try and outpace them. Be vary of through balls from your teammates and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. When we don't have possession of the ball I want you to drop deep and wait around the half way line for an opportunity to hit the oppo on the counter attack.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gomez for Matic. Also Allan for Dembele. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
--------------------------------------Allan-------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inaki---------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
-----------------------------------------Alli-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Vardy----------Gomez------------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Alli and put on Allan in CM and play ultra defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives. Lingard on for Inaki to bring some much needed freshness in midfield.
-------------------------------------Batalla--------------------------------
Bellerin------------Gomez---------------Bailly-------------Alonso
---------------------------Matic-----------Dembele-----------------------------
--------------------------------------Allan--------------------------------------------
Lingard------------------------------------------------------------------Perisic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Vardy----------------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gomez on for Vardy
Lingard on for Alli
Allan on for Dembele
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 20/1/18
Attacking 4-3-3
We look to take the game to the Stoke. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Stoke. We look to press them high up the pitch. We have an energetic side and after the winter break they’re ready to bounce back after a poor result in Europe.
Costa comes in up front, his bustling style will be key to making space for and getting the best out of our wide attackers.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top.
In midfied, we go with Koke in a playmaker role next to Kante. Thiago the attacking mid, Koke and Thiago looking to link the defence and attack and create. In front we go with fantastic pace and ability to create, with Costa the danger man, creating space for the trio and getting in the box to finish any chances.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fb look to give us width and stretch the game.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
We defend in a rigid defensive unit high up the pitch behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the ball, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.
------------------- Neuer
Odriozola – Ramos - Otamendi - Azpilicueta
-------------- Kante – Koke
------------------- Thiago
--- Asensio ---------------------- E.Hazard --
------------------ D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Stones, Can, Herrera, Malcom, Richarlison, Ronaldo
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space high up the pitch with a narrow rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Costa gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
Force them in to positions where they have to take risks, and then try and win the ball back.
As the Stoke advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Stoke are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Koke and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Odriozola as well will always be making himself available advanced down the right
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Koke, Thiago, Odiozola and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Malcom and Ronaldo for Asensio and Costa. Fresh pace to keep us going forward.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Herrera for Thiago. Koke more advanced. Herrera giving great energy in cm.
If drawing or losing after 55 mins bring on Ronaldo for Asensio.
If drawing or losing after 60 mins bring on Can for Azpilicueta. Attacking left back option.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Richarlison for Thiago. Skill and pace to attack. Hazard moves to am.
posted on 20/1/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Phil Coutinho
Freekicks: Phil Coutinho
Crossing Freekick: Phil Coutinho
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Sule — Marquinhos — Robertson
————————— Casemiro
—————— Nainggolan — Coutinho
Salah ————————————————— Mane
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Firmino, Tierney, N’Zonzi, Keita, Ozil, Reus, Kane
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Coutinho in midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Coutinho, Salah, Mane, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Casemiro anchoring the midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on N’Zonzi for Coutinho. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Keita for Nainggolan. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Kane for Coutinho. Casemiro will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Kane with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
posted on 21/1/18
--------------------- Ederson
Zappa ---- Alder'werd -- Javi.M ----- Ghoulam
--------------------- Khedira
--------- De Bruyne ------- David Silva
O.Dembele ----- Lewandowski ------ A.Martial
Subs: Meret, Walker, Mendy, Fernandinho, Partey, A.Sanchez, Werner
Important game, a slight change in formation, 4-3-3 with our two quick wingers complementing our midfielders and providing genuine width. Keep up the good form and get at this Spurs side.
Look to go in with the plan of dominating the midfield today, Spurs are missing two of their key midfielders to injury so our trio go in looking to outnumber them and control the lions share of possession, all very good with the ball at their feet and working in tight areas or when pressed.
Martial and O.Dembele give us that real pace & width to draw the opposition out wide and give us space in central areas, first train of thought should be to get us going forward and taking on their FB's using their pace and strong acceleration using our fb's as a decoy.
Dictate the tempo of the game, we can play out casually in deep areas but when we're in their half, i want us moving the ball about at pace and with purpose, drawing them out, exposing their lack of pace at the back and creating gaps.
Lewandowski, natural target man and poacher. Hold up play and wait for runners to go beyond, plenty of creativity in the side so just needs to be at his clinical best.
Defensively, very rigid and looking to press the space, cut the supply to their attackers looking to press more intensively in midfield areas with our trio, isolating their CF of any quality service.
4-3-3 - Possession based:
It starts from the back. Ederson 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 Ederson and getting their heads up, looking for movement from the attackers and attempting diagonal or long balls into feet, using Dembele/Lewa/Martial as target men to bypass their mf.
Khedira will provide plenty of energy and will work his socks off for the side to allow others around him to express themselves. He should look to stamp his authority with his work rate and power looking to take a grip on mf and shielding our defence, oppressing the opposition midfielder's and covering every blade of grass out there.
When attacking, Khedira 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 and David Silva 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 their awareness to dictate the play, never afraid to play a key pass in behind to unlock their defence.
Defensively look to work in a 3, looking to work in tandem with Khedira to close down quickly and cutting out passing lanes. At times one of them sitting deeper and dictating the tempo alonsgside Khedira allowing the other to make bursts forward to mix it up.
Flanks will be key as we look to expose them in wide areas and create space in midfield.
O.Dembele 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.
Lewandowski 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 Spurs 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 midfield as one goes to press the ball, force them into tight spots with their backs to goal towards the touchline.
The reason we want our attackers to press is to force Spurs 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, Khedira man-man their AM, looking to harass him and using his physical prowess to really put him off his game, Silva 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, Khedira holding.
Subs:
IF WINNING: 70th minute – (4-3-3)
- Fernandinho > Khedira
- A.Sanchez > Martial
- Partey > D.Silva (78th min)
Compact 4-3-3, Fernandinho sits and holds, A.Sanchez roams and looks to drive at a tiring defence. Partey fresh energy.
IF DRAW: 70th minute – (4-5-1- wide)
- Sanchez > Martial
- Fernandinho > D.Silva
- Werner > Lewandowski (75th minute)
5 in midfield looking to control possession and work opportunities. Werner look to use his pace to get in behind.
IF LOSING: 75th minute – (4-4-2 - direct)
- Werner > D.Silva
- A.Sanchez > Martial
- Walker > Zappa
4-4-2, direct. long balls into the box and constantly looking for the two strikers.
Flood forward and look for an equalizer/winner.
C - Lewandowski
FK's - De Bruyne/ shoot - Lewandowski
Corners - David Silva / KDB
Pens - Lewandowski
posted on 21/1/18
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Aston Villa
Injuries: Wilson, Aubameyang, Juanfran, Digne
-------------------- Ter Stegen
--------- Mustafi - Koscielny - Cahill
Trippier - Jorginho - Gundogan - Hector
-------------- R Sanches --- Eriksen
---------------------- Immobile
Subs: Foderingham, Pepe, Milner, Drinkwater, Lucas, Sigurdsson, Tosun
-----------------
In case of red card, switch from 3-4-2-1 to 3-4-1-1
If Ter Stegen, Sanches off, Foderingham on
If Mustafi/Koscielny/Cahill, Sanches off, Pepe on
If Trippier/Hector, Sanches off, Milner on
If Gundogan/Jorginho, Sanches off, Drinkwater on
If Sanches/Eriksen, no change
If Immobile, Sanches off, Tosun on
-----------------
A tough but winnable game today against Villa, 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, Koscielny and Cahill in the back three, Trippier and Hector as wingbacks, Jorginho and Gundogan anchoring the midfield, with Christian Eriksen and Renato Sanches in attacking midfield roles off of Immobile upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Villa 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 Immobile.
Mustafi/Koscielny/Cahill - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Koscielny 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.
Trippier/Hector - 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 five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Eriksen 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 Immobile and link with Jorginho/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Jorginho/Gundogan - Gundogan playing the box to box role, assist Jorginho in dealing with the Villa attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Jorginho stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Jorginho to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Gundogan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Eriksen/R Sanches - Playing at AM, both with the trickery to beat the Villa 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 Immobile with chances and also provide yourself with chances. Link up with Jorginho/Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile's presence will create for you.
Immobile - 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 Eriksen 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 Gundogan and Jorginho, Eriksen behind Immobile.
If drawing: Cahill and R Sanches off, Lucas Moura and Sigurdsson on. Change to 4-2-3-1, Trippier - Mustafi - Koscielny - Hector, Gundogan and Jorginho in midfield, Lucas - Eriksen - Sigurdsson behind Immobile upfront.
If losing: R Sanches, Mustafi and Cahill off, Tosun, Lucas Moura and Sigurdsson on. 3-1-4-2, Juanfran - Pepe - Hector, Jorginho the playmaker, Lucas - Gundogan - Eriksen - Sigurdsson behind Tosun and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
posted on 21/1/18
——————————Courtois
——Christensen———Skriniar——Umtiti
Bernardeschi—Torreira———Savic————Gaya
——————Dybala——————Lemar
———————————Morata
Subs: Pope, Lindelof, Conti, Ceballos, Loftus-Cheek, Sabitzer, Mariano
Captain: Thibaut Courtois
Free Kicks: Paulo Dybala
Corners: Federico Bernardeschi
Penalties: Paulo Dybala
We want to go and play on the front foot today, pressing Newcastle in their own half. We want the SS’s to press the CBs during build up, using Morata instead to cover the DM, so if Newcastle try to play through him we can quickly force him wider or into a mistake. Our WBs will then push up on to their WB/FBs, leaving just enough space to allow the opposition to use their FBs as an out-ball. CMs then mark the CMs, going with them if they drop deeper to aid build up. Aggressive man to man marking to disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm and force mistakes high up the field. When they go wide we initiate an even harder press with our WB getting right on to theirs with the ball side SS and CM also pushing higher up to close down the passing lanes to the centre, with the wide CB pushing up to protect the space behind the WB and cover balls into the winger. We leave ourselves 3 v 3 at the back which is slightly risky but away to Newcastle, may as well go for it and attack their weaknesses rather than waiting for them to attack us. If they do beat the press down the flank then the wide CBs job is to slow the winger down and force him wide and allow the WB and CM time to come back and create a triangle to press. Essentially we are 3-2-3-2 in the press. When Newcastle do build centrally the WBs narrow into the midfield, allowing us to squeeze the space for quick passing and reduce Newcastle to longer, slower balls.
If our pressing is beaten we resort to Italian style put your opponent on the floor and get everyone behind the ball. At this point we become a 5-3-2 with Lemar/Dybala dropping into the middle so that we dont get overloaded, again keep the centre packed and wait for them to go out to their FBs before pressing(SS and WB), keeping a lower block so that they cant get in behind us with short passes.
When we win the ball we must be quick to counter and in particular quick to use the SS’s to find the gaps in the Newcastle defensive line. In possession we want the wide CBs to stretch out towards the touchline, all the CBs are very comfortable on the ball and will use it quickly to get us forward. Them stretching out will allow our WBs to play higher up and start forcing the opposition WBs/FBs back. By occupying their wide defenders it means we create more space for Dybala and Lemar to get into. At times we want to overload the ball side using these two, so that if Newcastle press 3 v 3 from the front we can drop Torreira back into the defence to overload the press, with Dybala dropping back into the midfield line to draw out their DM and leave Lemar in the ball side half space. Get the ball to Lemar from here and we can get him turning and attacking the oppositions back line, particularly with our WBs keeping the wide defenders pegged back it means that a CB is going to have to step out and open a gap in the defence that Morata can take advantage of, or runs from Bernardeschi/Gaya. At other times we will look for one SS to come towards play and the other to move to the free side, look to move the ball diagonally, continuously switching from side to side to keep Newcastle changing direction and stop them picking up our players.
WBs will be important, particularly Bernardeschi. We’ve gone for two attack minded options today to take advantage of defensive weaknesses out wide, we want them running at the opposition FBs and getting balls into the box, looking for Morata at every available opportunity. Milinkovic-Savic will be a driving force from midfield, if they press high he will be essential for breaking the press with his powerful running, looking to support the SS’s. Dybala and Lemar must be finding the gaps between the lines, be that from dropping deeper or running behind and getting between FB and CB. Both have great technique between the lines and will be able to use quick link up play, particularly with Morata dropping in to facilitate quick inter play. Morata can will also be looking to go the other way when Dybala and Lemar drop to receive the ball, help us to drag the defence in two directions and break the lines, looking to peel off the shoulder of the CBs for crosses and balls into the channel. Torreira and Milinkovic-Savic’s job in possession is to keep things ticking, look for the earliest opportunity to get the ball into the feet of the forwards and if the ball isn’t on move the ball out to the WBs. Torreira will be more involved in build up and more disciplined, allowing Milinkovic-Savic more freedom as our box to box.
Subs:
If Winning: Conti for Bernardeschi 60’, more protection for the defence. Loftus-Cheek for Lemar 70’, 3-5-2. Mariano for Morata 80’, better hold up play.
If Drawing: Conti for Bernardeschi 60’, can add as another target in the box from left wing crosses. Sabitzer and Mariano for Lemar and Morata 70’.
If Losing: Conti and Sabziter for Christensen and Bernardeschi 60’, 4-2-3-1. Mariano for Morata 75’.
posted on 21/1/18
BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION v Hull City
Injuries: Riedewald, Jese, Brekalo, Callejon
----------------------- Cech
Zabaleta - Sokratis - Evans - Bernat
Ward-Prowse - Carvalho - Pastore
Mkhitaryan - Benzema - Yarmolenko
Subs: Trapp, Holding, Blind, Krychowiak, Lallana, Welbeck, Falcao
-----------------
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Hull 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, Cech in goal, Zabaleta, Sokratis, Evans and Bernat across the back, Ward-Prowse, Carvalho and Pastore in midfield, Mkhitaryan and Yarmolenko either side of Benzema upfront.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Hull 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 Ward-Prowse, Carvalho and Pastore, we control the possession and the flow of the game. Mkhitaryan at RW and Yarmolenko at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Hull defence with Zabaleta and Bernat overlapping. Benzema 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.
Cech - 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 Hull 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 Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko 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 Ward-Prowse/Carvalho/Pastore. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Ward-Prowse/Carvalho/Pastore - Pastore and Ward-Prowse playing the box to box roles, assist Carvalho dealing with the Hull 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. Ward-Prowse to get forward and provide a physical threat alongside Benzema whenever crosses come into the area.
Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Hull 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 Ward-Prowse/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 Hull 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 Mkhitaryan/Yarmolenko on occasion.
------------------
Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Mkhitaryan off, Krychowiak on. Switch to a flat 4-5-1 with Krychowiak alongside Ward-Prowse/Carvalho in midfield. Yarmolenko to RM and Pastore to LM, look to absorb pressure and hold out for the win.
If losing: Carvalho, Ward-Prowse and Evans off, Lallana, Welbeck and Falcao on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, back three of Zabaleta - Sokratis - Bernat, Pastore the playmaker, Yarmolenko - Mkhitaryan - Lallana - Welbeck behind a front two of Benzema and Falcao. Push for goals.
posted on 21/1/18
———————————Rico
Toure————Zouma————Diop———Jorge
——Soler———Diawara——Laimer——Oyarzabal
———————Schick————Lukaku
Subs: Dragowski, Elvedi, Barella, Cook, Lo Celso, Neres, B.Keita
Captain: Issa Diop
Corners: Carlos Soler
Penalties: Romelu Lukaku
Free Kicks: Carlos Soler
We expect a very attack minded Leicester side so we are going to be patient, frustrate them and wait for the chance to attack in behind. We expect them to want to play out from the back, we will allow their CBs possession of the ball and instead focus on defending their attackers. Our aim is to force them wider as this is where they will be least dangerous. Schick and Lukaku will form cover around the DM, making sure he can’t be a feature in possession and specially not in build up, force their CBs to use more hurried passes into the next line or play it wider and limit their own space to play in. That allows us to then get 8 players, two narrow banks of 4 to cover the rest of the space, making the centre of the field massively congested. Force them to try and build up wide and then shuffle across to use our same structure but in the wide areas, using the touchline as an extra weapon to press them.
Our midfield four will create a narrow zonal line, Soler and Oyarzabal occupying half spaces and Diawara and Laimer the central lanes. The back four will also be narrow and compact to 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 Leicester to use the FBs more often, once this happens we can go 2 v 2 with wide man and FB, wide man pressing and FB behind to back him up. Schick will drop back in and create a staggered diamond with the remaining 3 midfielders, Schick at the tip moving towards ball side and Diawara 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 Schick 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 look to be very direct, long diagonal balls, we want to get our strikers up against their FBs/DM in the first phase and look to build from there using our significant height advantage. Whenever we win it the first thought will be that longer ball, preferably to get Lukaku/Schick up against Marcelo/Azpi and from there we want the wingers to be making runs off of the strikers, looking to draw out the CBs from the middle and create more space in the box for runners. When we attack in this way the ball side FB will stay back so that if the ball is lost, there isn’t acres of space to attack into down that side, instead letting the CF and the winger do the attacking down that flank. On the opposite side we want both winger and FB to attack, winger becomes an auxiliary forward looking to attack the middle, helping us to go 2 v 1 against the remaining CB in the box, as our FB will occupy the oppositions freed up FB, stop him tracking the winger without leaving an opponent unmarked near the box (Leicester’s wingers aren’t the most defensive minded, in particular attacks down the left will allow Toure to occupy the FB as Hazard won’t come back to help). Alternatively if the CFs are still in close quarters around Kante we can go longer towards them in the centre, usually Schick dropping to receive the long balls as the target man, with Lukaku then making the run towards goal, CBs will stick with the player directly moving towards goal and Kante wont beat Schick in the air which means he can get the ball won and get it out wide where we can run at retreating defenders, in these cases we want both FB and winger to attack and double up down the ball side flank. The aim will be to work in triangles, winger, FB and CM to build the attack down the wing. Opposite side FB stays back to create a back 3 and opposite side winger tucks infield to give us a 3 v 3 centrally and allow the ball side CM more options in possession and more freedom to hep create. From here the aim is to get the ball into the box or come back infield to link up around the area. When this happens the CFs will work on a tangent, one going towards goal and the other coming away to drop into space to help the move flowing, usually Schick dropping and Lukaku poaching but this can be switched up. Wingers will make runs into channels and FB to the byeline, from these positions get the ball into the box and take advantage of having two CFs.
Subs:
If Winning: Neres for Lukaku 70’, 4-5-1, Soler shifts to CM and Neres out wide, fresh legs up against a FB who’s going to push further forward. Cook and Elvedi for Oyarzabal and Soler 80’, 5-3-2 more or less, but off the ball ball side forward drops into midfield line to track FB.
If Drawing: Neres and Lo Celso for Oyarzabal and Soler 70’, fresh legs but a change of empahsis on either side, Neres more tricky on the right to go at Marcelo and Lo Celso on the left drifting in field more. Balde Keita for Schick 75’, extra pace up front looking to put defenders on the back foot.
If Losing: Neres for Laimer 65’, Soler to CM, two pacy wingers to really go at the opposition. Balde Keita and Lo Celso for Schick and Jorge 75’, 3-4-3, two very attacking WBs look to push them back and put the pressure on late on.
posted on 26/1/18
----------------------- De Gea -----------------------
Carvajal ---- Bonucci ---- Lenglet ---- Emerson
---------- Tolisso -- Busquets -- Pogba -----------
Mahrez ------------ S.Aguero ------------ Neymar
Butland, Sanchez, Foden, Paredes, Jesus, Bailey, Poulsen
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.
Bonucci and Lenglet at CB, Lenglet picks up th CF, Bonucci 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 Busquets or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep. Both go up for corners, Tolisso and the fullbacks stay back.Carvajal and Emerson 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, Emerson gets outside Neymar to allow him to cut inside whereas Carvajal will support Mahrez 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, Busquets 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 and Emerson 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 Pogba and Tolisso alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Spurs are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly, like said Pogba and Tolisso are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets 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 Spurs fullbacks/midfielders. I want them to be a dominating midfield 3 in both defence and attack and work as a unit. Pogba will be the one furthest up field to support Aguero , looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself,
In Mahrez 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/wingbacks, stop them breaking up the pitch and getting up to support their own forwards. When attacking they will have the support from Carvajal/Emerson as we look to have a real go down the flanks, Mahrez is more of a 'winger' than Neymar so he will drive down the line with pace, beating his man along the way, can use Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Aguero 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 Emerson in support and Pogba 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.
Aguero 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 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 Mahrez and Neymar & Pogba, 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.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Winning -
70 Mins - Leon Bailey for Mahrez to push them back when they go more attacking
80 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, can hold the ball up very well and take to corners, still good for a goal if need be, Paredes for Pogba, strong in the tackle and helps out defensively
Losing -
70 Mins - Bailey and Jesus for Mahrez and Tolisso 442 Bailey with frightening pace down the right and a two man strike forcewith Neymar should bring us back in it hopefully
80 Mins - Poulsen for Aguero, if we need to go high and long he is a good target man to aim for and knock it down for those coming in
Drawing -
70 Mins - Bailey for Mahrez, Jesus for Aguero
80 Mins - Foden for Pogba, 4231 with Foden playing as a No.10 just behind Jesus
posted on 26/1/18
Tottenham Hotspur
----------------------- K.Navas ----------------------
-------- Boateng –-- Van Dijk --– D.Rugani ------
D.Alves --- Bakayoko ----- Verratti ----- L.Sane
----------------------- B.Silva -----------------------
-------------- M.Icardi ----- M.Balotelli -----------
Subs:
Carevic, Aurier, Rodriguez, Fabregas, Willian, Carrasco, Dembele
Captain: van Dijk
Free Kicks: D.Alves
Penalties: Balotelli
Corners: B.Silva
Team Tactics:
When the opposition are in possession we sit deep not allowing any space in behind. We have three strong CB’s with the wingbacks dropping in to create a solid back 5. In addition to this our two holding midfield players will sit in and screen the defence, in effect creating a defensive unit of 7 players all camped within our own half. Our aim will be to congest our half of the pitch, the opposition have some world class forwards however we aim to give them no space to operate. We won't chase the ball and will instead let them try and play through us, increasing the chances of turning over possession.
If the opposition press we will look to use this to our advantage, drawing them on to us and getting the ball out wide to our wingbacks to drive forward. Our game plan is simple, sit deep in our own half allowing the opposition little room to operate and hitting them on the counter attack, getting the ball out wide and into our forwards. With the oppositions wingers unlikely to track back this will allow ample space for our wingbacks to exploit, the aim will be to whip balls into our front two, both of whom carry a real threat in the air whilst being deadly when receiving the ball in and around the opposition’s box
We will mix our play up, pinning the oppositions defence back through our pace out wide whilst also creating triangles through central midfield, utilising Bernardo Silva in the hole as another attacking avenue as the playmaker has the ability to open up the opposition and pick out the runs of the strikers ahead of him. Verratti will also spray the ball out from deep as we look to win back possession and quickly turn defence into attack. If our wingbacks push forward then our holding midfield players will drop in with our LCB and RCB covering the flanks, we will out all times have at least 5 men offering defensive cover to counter the attack.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas – Fantastic shot stopping keeper who will look to dominate the box, come for the ball and be commanding on set pieces. With little to no room in front of him we expect the opposition to attempt shots from distance as they become increasingly frustrated by the lack of space. He will be alert at all times and tuned in to the increased threat from distance.
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. VVD will play through the middle and pick up the striker, sticking tight and giving no room to manoeuvre. 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 Rugani will offer support to the wingbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Wingbacks – Arguably our two most important players today with both playing very different roles. Whilst both will offer width and have license to push forward, Sane in particular will be a key attacking outlet. Playing slightly deeper than usual this should afford him a great deal of space and will look to drive forward at every opportunity. He will carry the ball in possession, whipping crosses in for the forwards to attack whilst also utilising his superb dribbling ability to drive to the byline and cut the ball back for one of Icardi or Balotelli to finish. If Neymar starts then D.Alves will be tasked with keeping him quiet, he has a history of doing so and we expect him to stick tight to his Brazilian counterpart at all times. He will man mark the winger when in possession and follow any runs inside, snapping into tackles and not letting him settle. With the pacy Boateng offering support in behind we will combine these two to subdue the threat posed by the winger. When in possession Alves will look to whip crosses in from deep, he has superb delivery and our forwards will thrive off this. He will however refrain from pushing too far forward as he will at all times be wary of the threat posed by the opposition on the counter.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Bakayoko will sit in front of the defence forming a screen. Bakayoko will look to physically impose himself, dominating any balls in the air and will our physical presence in the middle of the park. Verratti alongside him will be the distributor in chief, he will be responsible for winning back possession, creating a turnover and setting up our counter attacks with his superb passing ability. B.Silva will be slightly more advanced, sitting in the hole, creating triangles in the middle, pulling the opposition out of position for us to exploit. As soon as possession is won we will look to counter and immediately get the ball to our forwards.
Forwards – We play two up top as we go for goals, the pace, power and movement offered by these two will cause the opposition problems. Both will attack the box looking to get on the end of crosses and put away any chances that fall their way. With plenty of creativity in behind them we fancy them to have plenty of opportunities and both are predatory instinctive finishers. If our side is pinned back by the opposition they will both stay up top, offering an immediate outlet with a long ball forward as we look to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Balotelli and Silva off, Willian and Rodriguez on. We go 5-4-1, Alves drops to RB, Rodriguez to LB we play a solid back 5, creating a brick wall in front of our goal. Willian and Sane play on the flanks of a 4 man midfield with Icardi the lone man up top. We make ourselves compact and difficult to play through as we see the game out.
If drawing: Silva and Bakayoko off, Carrasco and Fabregas on. Carrasco offers a new threat and increased pace in the AM role, taking advantage of tired legs of the opposition whilst Cesc adds increased creativity in the middle of the park as we look to carve out a winner.
If losing: Rugani and Bakayoko off, Fabregas and Carrasco on. We go all guns blazing with a front 4 of Sane, Icardi, Balotelli, Carrasco and Verratti and Fabregas supplying the ammunition. We push the opposition back, creating plenty of chances as we go for goals.
posted on 26/1/18
Liverpool v HULL CITY
----------------------------Horn
Klostermann---Pavard-----Baumgartl------- Zinchenko
-----------------Ascacíbar------Tousart
-------Lopes--------------Fekir----------Forsberg
-----------------------------Milik
Subs: Pollersbeck, Uduokhai, Augustinsson, Frenkie de Jong, Aouar, Ziyech, Brandt
Our defensive unit consists of Benjamin Pavard and Timo Baumgartl paired up at centre-back, Lukas Klostermann at right-back and Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, with Santiago Ascacíbar and Lucas Tousart as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ascacíbar and Tousart 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 Tousart 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 Tousart’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Tousart 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 Rony Lopes, Nabil Fekir and Emil Forsberg as our band of three attacking midfielders with Arkadiusz Milik 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 Tousart, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Klostermann and Zinchenko can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ascacíbar and Tousart can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Rony Lopes and Emil Forsberg, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Nabil Fekir our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Fekir 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 Lopes, Forsberg and Milik in via fast passing combinations.
Milik is predominantly an old-style centre forward, however he does possess 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 75 mins
Frenkie de Jong on for Ascacíbar and Brandt on for Forsberg
posted on 27/1/18
---------------------- Cech ---------------------
Cedric ---- Sokratis ---- J.Evans ---- Bernat
--------- Krychowiak ---- Carvalho -----------
J.Callejon ----- Mkhitaryan ---- Yarmolenko
-------------------- Benzema --------------------
Trapp, Holding, Fellaini, Prowse, Walcott, Welbeck, falcao
A very tough game today, but we can get at this Wolves side, I feel we can target them down the middle and create chances for Benzema to finish.
This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting the win today. Wolves have some decent players in their side although we have some class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three/four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Mkhit, Krych and Carvalho, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Callejon at RW and Yarmolenko at LW both able to use their creativity and get at the Liverpool defence with Cedric and Bernat overlapping. Benzema 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.
Cech - 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 Falcao.
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.
Cedric/Bernat - Both of you to force the Liverpool 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/Yarmolenko 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 MkhitCarvalho/Pastore. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Krychowiak/Carvalho- Krychowiak playing the box to box roles, assist Carvalho dealing with the Wolves 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, Krycho to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Mkhitaryan play in his favoured No.10 role, he must support Benzema best he can, look to play him in with deft touches and quality through balls, stop there DM dictating play, also at times will find himself pushing right up alongside benzema
Callejon/Richarlison - Both playing out wide and both have the creativity and trickery to beat the Wolves 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 Mkhitaryan, 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 Wolves 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 link up with Mkhitaryan very quicklyon occasion.
------------------
Subs -
Winning -
70 Mins - Fellaini for Mkhitaryan sit in a 3 man mid
80 Mins - Holding for Callejon, go to CB in a 5 man defence, Yarmolenko just off Benzema 5411
85 Mins - Walcott for Benzema to run at everything
Drawing -
70 Mins - Walcott and Welbeck for Callejon and Yarmolenko fresh pace
80 Mins - Falcao for benzema
Losing -
70 Mins - Holding for Cedric, Welbeck for Bernat, Falcao for Yarmolenko 3412
posted on 27/1/18
Samba Tiki-taka
We look to take the game to Newcastle. A strong defence, with a midfield trio that can control possession and the tempo of the game gives the attacking players freedom when attacking to get at the Newcastle. Get the two brothers linking up in cm. We look to press them high up the pitch. We have an energetic side full of pace that can play at a high tempo.
Costa comes in up front, his bustling style will be key to making space for and getting the best out of our wide attackers.
Key to our game plan today, is quick passing moves in the midfield and using our pace out wide. With a high tempo midfield, we want plenty of movement from the midfielders to get us on top.
In midfield, we go with the Thiago and Rafinha partnership, Thiago the playmaker, Rafinha the one looking to get in between the lines and always linking the play. Their link up together will be a highlight of our play with quick one twos and the ability to beat a man.
In front we go with fantastic pace and ability to create, with Costa the danger man, creating space for the trio and getting in the box to finish any chances.
The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. We go with two attacking fbs, stretching the game for us and creating space for our cms to control the game. While also offering options in attack and giving more freedom to the wingers.
We will also try the odd long ball, either direct to Costa or over the top for the pace of our forwards to run on to.
We defend in a rigid defensive unit high up the pitch behind the ball, the two closest players pressing the ball, the others getting back and pressing the space so that they have no options to break.
------------------- Neuer
Odriozola – Ramos - Otamendi – Marcelo
-------------------- Kante
--------------- Thiago -- Rafinha
--- Hazard ---------------------- Richarlison --
------------------ D.Costa
Subs. Schmeichel, Romagnoli, Can, Alena, Malcom, Sylla, Ronaldo
Key to our attack is quick attacking play. Varying our play and how we get the ball to our front three in space.
Defending high up the pitch
We look to control the opposition by pressing the space high up the pitch with a narrow rigid defensive unit. When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone else bar Costa gets behind the ball into position. Stop them breaking.
Force them in to positions where they have to take risks, and then try and win the ball back.
As the Newcastle advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-5-1, narrowing to the side of play.
In this tight rigid formation, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Kante will be key, reading the play in between the defence and midfield, reading any dangers to get across.
Narrowing the play to the side the Newcastle are attacking, pushing them backwards and wide away from danger. When they switch play, we switch over.
Attack
Centre backs play out, they have the option to go long or have Kante, Rafinha and Thiago offering options. Get the ball to our attacking midfield trio.
The attacking trio in front will always be looking for space in between their midfield and attack. Odriozola and Marcelo will always be making themselves available advanced down the wings.
We want quick one twos in the opposition half. Rafinha, Thiago, Marcelo, Odiozola and the wingers will always be looking for the killer ball. If it is not on, we are happy to keep possession, attacking down the wings.
Costa has freedom to play his natural game and get the goals.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Sylla for Richarlison and Alena for Rafinha. Fresh legs, pace and youthful exuberance to keep a high tempo.
After 75 mins bring on Ronaldo for Costa.
posted on 27/1/18
——————————Pope
Fabinho——Lindelof——Skriniar——Gaya
—————————Torreira
----------Zielinski—————Savic
Sabitzer—————Morata—————Philipp
Subs: Svilar, Conti, Vallejo, Ceballos, Tielemans, Dybala, Sancho
Captain: Fabinho
Free Kicks: Fabinho/Marcel Sabitzer
Penalties: Fabinho
Corners: Marcel Sabitzer
Our build up will usually take place in a 2-3-2-3/3-2-2-3 today in order to create overloads and passing lanes within the opposition lines of defence. For a clean build up we need numerical superiority so if they press with their forwards Fabinho will tuck in next to the CBs whilst Zielinski/Savic(dependent on side of build up) and Torreira drop to receive the ball from the defence, with Zielinski/Milinkovic-Savic and Philipp occupying the 10 spaces and Gaya and Sabitzer stretched to the touchlines to stretch the opposition back line. If Hull drop off then we change this by having Fabinho pushing into CM to create a 3 man CM. This will then allow our CBs to bring the ball forward and play the ball to one of the three CMs, once this happens a Hull midfielder will have to step out to slow play down and this will open space up for Savic/Zielinski and Philipp in behind the opposition midfield.
Once we establish dominance of possession and force Hull to be more compact defensively to stop these gaps opening up our aim is to create overloads to create space in the opposite side, usually this would be through the flanks or the half spaces. To make this happen we need constant movement of players and clever ball circulation, with never more than 3 players in vertical or horizontal alignment, working in triangles or duos, so that when Gaya stretches high and wide, Philipp takes up the half space, when Gaya sits deeper and inverted, Philipp occupies the touchline, when Gaya is infield, Savic can move forward into the half space etc.
We want to target crosses into Morata today so we will look to overload our left side, Gaya stretching the game out, occupying the FB with Philipp in the left half space and Savic supporting from LCM with Morata occupying the CBs. Zielinski can also move further across and leave Torreira free deeper to link the play quickly. By working the ball through the left side and keeping an overload it means that Hull will have to come across and in particular it will leave their CMs having to press Philipp, Savic and Zielinski. This should free up the space for Fabinho to get into the right half space, for us to switch the ball to him and for him to deliver a great cross in to Morata. Alternatively if the space opens up Savic, Philipp, Gaya and Morata have the kind of link up play that can open Hull’s back line up.
Also look to create space on the flanks when we build up centrally, inverting Fabinho at all times as he can occupy the right half space and pick his passes from there, including the long diagonal switches to the underloaded flank that’s going to kill Hull today. By having a 3 man midfield of Fabinho, Torreira and Savic and then Zielinski and Philipp further a head in the half spaces we give Hull’s midfield a lot more space to cover, especially with Savic and Zielinski’s ability to drive forward and they will need their wingers to respond by tucking in, once this happens we will create 1 v 1’s on the flanks, Sabizter vs LB, Gaya vs RB, where we have a clear advantage, we should be looking to get the ball to them as quickly as possible to take advantage, be that from the CMs or the CBs who can completely bypass their midfield with their passing range.
To finish off moves we look to get the ball into the box where Morata will be waiting to pounce, Philipp should also be looking to attack the area as well as Savic who can provide the physical presence.
Off the ball the 2-3-2-3 should allow us a solid structure to press the opposition quickly. The advanced 5 should be doing the pressing when the ball is lost up the field and from goal kicks, focusing on squeezing Hull into one corner, so if the ball goes to the RCB/RB Morata and the wide player are the first line press with the opposite winger and the 2 AM’s being the 2nd line press to block of the routes to the other side and vertical lanes, pen them in and force them to go longer, Hull’s midfield won’t play through us today.
This then allows the remaining block of 5 to form a bowl shape around the opposition attackers, with Fabinho and Savic/Gaya covering the half space and flanks, Skriniar marking the CF, and Lindelof providing the additional cover be it to his side or in front of him. Torreira covers the central ground, when others put the pressure on he comes to mop up with his great work rate and then use his passing range to restart attacks.
If we are forced to defend deeper we remain in our 4-3-3, a solid shape with allows us to cover the length of the field and keep our strength centrally with Torreira, Savic and Zielinski able to the dirty work. Sabizter and Philipp are two hard working wingers who will track when required.
Subs:
If Winning: Vallejo and Conti for Milinkovic-Savic and Philipp 70’, 3-5-2 with Fabinho moving to DM alongside Torreira and Zielinski. Ceballos for Zielinski 80’, look to keep us in control of possession.
If Drawing: Dybala for Zielinski 65’, play with two number 10’s. Conti and Sancho for Torreira and Philipp 75’, Fabinho into midfield and allows Conti and Gaya to both stretch opponents from FB. Sancho on as fresh legs to run at tiring defenders.
If Losing: Dybala and Ceballos for Gaya and Zielinski 60’, 3-2-3-2, Ceballos on to provide more control alongside Torreira and Dybala next to Morata, go 2 v 2 with the CBs. Tielemans for Torreira 70’, another top player on the ball, look to dictate the game alongside Ceballos.
posted on 27/1/18
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v Brighton
Injuries: Sigurdsson (other injured players sold)
Suspended: Trippier
-------------------- Ter Stegen
--------- Mustafi - Koscielny - Cahill
Juanfran - Jorginho - Gundogan - Hector
-------------- R Sanches --- Eriksen
------------------- Aubameyang
Subs: Foderingham, Pepe, Milner, Kenedy, Drinkwater, Musonda, Immobile
-----------------
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, Koscielny and Cahill in the back three, Juanfran and Hector as wingbacks, Jorginho and Gundogan anchoring the midfield, with Christian Eriksen 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/Koscielny/Cahill - Cahill and Mustafi to mark their strikers, force them high up the pitch thus limiting their impact close to goal, and Koscielny 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.
Juanfran/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 Eriksen 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/Gundogan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.
Jorginho/Gundogan - Gundogan playing the box to box role, assist Jorginho in dealing with the Brighton attack when we don't have the ball, if they play an AM Jorginho stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls, in possession Jorginho to look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out, Gundogan to burst forward to join the front three on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.
Eriksen/R 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/Gundogan, and capitalise on the space Immobile'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 Eriksen and Sanches on occasion. Try and link with those two to create opportunities.
------------------
Subs 70 mins;
If winning: Sanches off, Drinkwater on. 5-3-1-1, wingbacks to fullback, Drinkwater in midfield alongside Gundogan and Jorginho, Eriksen behind Aubameyang.
If drawing: R Sanches off, Immobile on. Change to 3-4-1-2, Eriksen behind Aubameyang and Immobile, push for the winner.
If losing: R Sanches, Mustafi and Cahill off, Musonda, Immobile and Kenedy on. 3-1-4-2, Juanfran - Pepe - Hector, Jorginho the playmaker, Musonda - Gundogan - Eriksen - Kenedy behind Aubameyang and Immobile upfront. Push for goals.
posted on 27/1/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Hummels — Sule — Rose
————————— Pjanic
—————— Nainggolan — Keita
Salah ————————————————— Coutinho
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Robertson, N’Zonzi, Casemiro, Ozil, Mina, Firmino
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Pjanic in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Nainggolan, Salah, Coutinho, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Pjanic sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Keita. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Firmino for Keita. Nainggolan will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Firmino with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
posted on 2/2/18
New week line ————————————
posted on 2/2/18
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
Captain: Luis Suarez
Penalties: Luis Suarez
Corners: Miralem Pjanic
Freekicks: Miralem Pjanic
Crossing Freekick: Miralem Pjanic
—————————— Lloris
Florenzi — Hummels — Sule — Rose
————————— Pjanic
—————— Nainggolan — Keita
Salah ————————————————— Reus
——————————— Suarez
SUBS: Marquinhos, Robertson, N’Zonzi, Casemiro, Ozil, Kane, Firmino
We’ll press the opposition like Liverpool and win the ball as close to their goal as possible or move the ball up the pitch towards the opposition’s goal quickly. My 4-3-3 will overload his midfield and pin back his wing backs. We’ll use the quickness of our one touch, short passing game and using the pace & dribbling ability of the attacking players. However when the opposition get close to our box, we will revert to a defensive block to limit their chances. We defend and attack as a collective unit, limiting the space between the lines in which the opposition plays in.
We will start Pjanic in deep midfield to keep the ball rolling and take advantage of his penetrative passes.
When in attack we will get forward in numbers, using the footballing intelligence & movement of our attacking midfielders & striker to create passing angles and overloads in the opposition’s area of the pitch both out wide and in central zones, looking to drag the opposition’s players out of position and exploiting the space they leave open. When the opposition is using a deep defensive block to shut out our team we will use our fullbacks to create numbers out wide to stretch the opposition (this will be assisted by our CDM splitting the CBs wider allowing the FBs to move up the pitch) simultaneously using our wide-forward to cut inside to create overloads in the central areas giving us a number advantage. When creating chances from the wide areas with the FBs or WFs, we will send crosses in to feed the other forwards. Making runs behind the defence and beyond the striker is not prohibited by our attacking and central midfielders (minus CDM). There is a lot freedom in the movement of our attacking players. No player is restricted to a specific zone on the field or specific task. All four attackers (Nainggolan, Salah, Reus, Suarez) will either be provider or finisher with Nainggolan supporting and Pjanic sitting deep in midfield. Shooting from outside the box is encouraged. Our players will also press constantly from the front when we lose possession of the ball.
Offensive & Defensive Transitions:
This is the player's movements & reactions when moving between defence and attack, importantly the movement of the ball as this is arguably the most important aspect of our game. Winning the ball back when your opposition is disorganized is the perfect moment. We will aim for rapid movement up the pitch, with progressive passing to exploit the space left by the opposition. Whether it is from our defensive third of the pitch or whether we have won the ball back in our attacking third of the pitch we will exploit the disorganization of the opposition. We expect most of our attacking play will be as a result of our aggressive high press so we will use the following triggers for pressing the opponent:
1. The ball is played to a player facing his own goal
2. The ball is played to a player against the sidelines (using the sideline as an extra man in our favour)
3. A difficult bouncing ball is played to a player facing his own goal.
When any of these triggers happen, the players closest to the ball will press quickly and another 2 or 3 players will hold off slightly adding depth to the press and closing down their easy option pass. Once we win possession of the ball, we break in numbers again exploiting the opposition with either the pace of our attack. We also understand that we won't always get it right when pressing the opposition so we will employ a 10-second rule on pressing from the front after which, if we did not win back possession, we will revert to our defensive block. If we don’t win the ball after our initial phase of pressing it's imperative that the players work their way back into our defensive zone of the pitch and close the space that the opposition will look to play in. Close the space quickly and look to frustrate the opposition with intelligent positioning and hard tackling before winning the ball back and breaking forward at rapid speed. We will compact the central zones and force the opposition wide which limits the chances of breaking through our midfield. Long diagonal balls and quick releases from deep are encouraged when the opportunity arises. Our forwards have the pace to run onto through-balls.
We go into our defensive block if we cannot win the ball through our pressing. As a team we will defend deep in our half and close the space in the middle of the pitch. When forcing the opposition closer to the touchlines, we will use the touch line as an extra-man and press them so that we can win possession and result in us outnumbering them. If the play is on the left of the field the team will move towards the left and squeeze the space and vice versa on the right. We will try to force our opponents to play hopeful crosses into our box. If a cross is coming from their right our LB will also move into the box to help deal with crosses and vice versa if the cross is coming from the left. The midfielders will be around the box pressing the opponent should they try to play it central. Our wide forwards will help the midfield in closing the space in the centre and then proceed to help the fullback after we have moved the opponent towards the touchline. The wide-forwards are the real work horses in the team and I have 2 very good, hard-working wide-forwards. Our striker will also drop into our half to help the midfield press the opposition’s defence. Also the reasoning behind dropping the striker deep is to draw the opponent’s defence away from their goal creating ample space for us to counter attack.
Substitutions:
If winning after 80 mins bring on Casemiro for Pjanic. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater defensive cover.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Ozil for Keita. Fresh creativity and legs.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Kane for Keita. Nainggolan will press higher to win the ball back quickly. Kane with more goal threat, plays up front with Suarez, in a 4-4-2.
posted on 2/2/18
Birmingham v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
-------------------- Forster --------------------
------ Boateng -- Van Dijk -- Chiellini ------
------------- Verratti --- Wilshere ------------
- Bellerin --------- B.Silva ------- Carrasco -
-------------- M.Icardi -- L.Sane --------------
Subs:
Carevic, Rugani, Rodriguez, D.Alves, Bakayoko, Gueirrero, Dembele
Captain: Chiellini
Free Kicks: B.Silva
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: B.Silva
Injuries:
Blaise Matuidi, Ashley Young, Mario Balotelli. Cesc Fabregas
Team Tactics:
We go with a 3-5-2 as we look to take the game to our opponents, pressing them high up the pitch, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas as we put their players under pressure when in possession and hit them with our array of attacking threats.
When in possession we look to play quick passes, our transition from defence to attack will be swift as we get the ball to our double pivot of Verratti and Wilshere to dictate the play. Silva in the hole has license to roam whilst our wide players push forward from the flanks. Up top we go with Sane alongside Icardi, this will be key in our press from the front as Sane will look to hound the opposition’s defence and not allow them to settle. The pace of Bellerin and Carrasco will be an increased threat from the flanks, both will track back when not in possession however they have license to get forward when we are on the ball comfortable in the knowledge that we have three top class CB’s patrolling our defence.
When the opposition are in possession – we drop into a 5-3-2 formation, the wingers drop into defence with Bernardo slotting into a midfield three 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.
Set pieces will be key and an area that we will specifically target. Silva’s dead ball delivery is superb and with the aerial ability of Boateng, van Dijk and Chiellini we will look to cause havoc in the oppositions box at any opportunity. If the free kick is within shooting range then Icardi will look to continue his superb goalscoring form.
Individual responsibilities:
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster – Dominant keeper with fantastic shot stopping ability. He will dominate the box, come for the ball and commanding on set pieces. We look to start attacks from the back, distributing to our CB’s or if the opposition press we take advantage of this by spraying the ball out wide, immediately bypassing the press and putting us on the front foot.
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. VVD will play through the middle and pick up the striker, sticking tight and giving no room to manoeuvre. Boateng and Chiellini will offer cover for any balls in behind and support to the wingbacks, dropping into the space out wide when we are on the attack, eliminating the space for a potential counter attack.
Wingers – They will both form part of our attacking arsenal as we look to overwhelm our opponents. Carrasco in particular will be a key attacking outlet as he will look to drive forward at every opportunity, taking on opponents and pinning the opposition back. He will carry the ball in possession, whipping crosses in for the forwards to attack whilst also utilising his superb dribbling ability to drive to the byline and cut the ball back for one of Icardi or Sane to finish. Bellerin lines up on the other flank and his searing pace will be key on the counter as he looks to whip crosses in for our two cenre forwards to pounce. He will however be aware of the threat posed by the opposition and will track back offering increased defensive cover when not in possession.
Central Midfield – Verratti and Wilshere will form a double pivot in midfield. They are both superb technicians as we look to open up the opposition. With Silva slightly ahead of them in the AM role these three will be key in retaining possession and creating chances for our forwards. Quick slick passing will move their counterparts out of position, we will make them continually chase the ball and all three have the ability to open them up should the opposition choose to sit deep. Verratti and Wilshere will also offer defensive cover when not in possession, both offer tenacity and bite in the challenge as we look to create turnovers and quickly hit the opposition on the counter attack. B.Silva will be slightly more advanced, sitting in the hole behind the strikers and dropping in to pockets of space making him difficult to pick up.
Forwards – We play two up top as we go for goals, the pace, power and movement offered by these two will cause the opposition problems. Both will attack the box looking to get on the end of crosses and put away any chances that fall their way. With plenty of creativity in behind them we fancy them to have plenty of opportunities. They will press from the front and Sane offers the increased threat on the counter as we are able to break at speed. Both are accomplished finishers and with the likes of Verratti, Wilshere, Bernardo and Carrasco supplying the ammunition we will be aiming for goals.
Subs 65 mins;
If winning: Carrasco and Silva off, Rodriguez and D.Alves on. We go 5-4-1, Bellerin drops to RB, Rodriguez to LB we play a solid back 5, forming a brick wall in front of our goal. Sane and D.Alves drop to the flanks offering increased defensive cover in a 4 man midfield with Icardi the lone man up top. We make ourselves compact and difficult to play through as we see the game out.
If drawing: Bellerin and Carrasco off, D.Alves and Gueirrero on. We go 3-4-3 with Silva, Icardi and Sane in a front 3 whilst Alves and Gueirrero push forward from the flanks as we look to carve out a winner.
If losing: Chiellini and Bellerin off, D.Alves and Dembele on. We go all guns blazing with Dembele going up front alongside Sane and Icardi. Carrasco, B.Silva and Alves push forward in support as we go for goals.
posted on 2/2/18
--------------------- Pickford -----------------------
Danilo ---- Kompany ---- Manolas ---- Wendell
------------ Pellegrini ---- Llorente --------------
--- J.Mata --------- Barkley --------- D.Costa ---
-------------------- Jorgensen ----------------------
Leno, Llorente, Ramsey, El Shaarawy, D.Jota, Belotti, Mandzukic
In goal Pickford, 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.
Danilo and Wendell 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 Jorgensen. 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.. Manolas the more mobile and quicker CB will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Kompany alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both strong 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. Manolas and Kompany up for corners, fullbacks and Marcos Llorente 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 Manolas and Kompany 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..
Marcos Llorente'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
Pellegrini 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. Barkley'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 Barkley 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.
Costa and Mata 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 Pellegrini and Barkley 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. Costa will use his tricks and flicks and pace to get him where he wants to be, again using Barkley to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Jorgensen so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Jorgensen 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 the midfield 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 the wingers and Barkley 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 Costa, Mata and Barkley as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.
Captain - Kompany
Pens - D.Costa
Free Kicks - Barkley
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing -
70 Mins - D.Jota for Barkley and he goes to LW, Costa to RW and Mata to No.10
80 Mins - Danilo into a back 3, Belotti and Mandzukic for Wendell and Jorgensen and they go up top 3412
Winning -
70 Mins - Belotti for Jorgensen, Ramsey for Barkley and into a into a 3 man midfield
80 Mins Jota for Mata he goes to LW and Costa to RW
Drawing -
70 Mins - Jota for Barkley and to LW, Costa to RW and Mata to No.10, Belotti for Jorgensen
80 Mins - El Shaarawy for Costa
posted on 2/2/18
-------------------- J.Butland ---------------------
Carvajal --- Sanchez --- Laporte --- A.Sandro
-------- Tolisso --- Busquets --- Draxler -------
Mbappe ----------- G.Jesus ------------ Neymar
Walton, Lengelt, Rakitic, Pogba, Coman, Mahrez, Poulsen
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 Butland 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 Laporte at CB, Sanchez picks up th CF, Laporte 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 Busquets or our fullbacks as we look to start our attacks from deep.
Sandro and Carvajal 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 Carvajal 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, Busquets 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 Sandro/Carvajal 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 Tolisso and Draxler alongside allows him the time as they shield him, they don't allow anyone to get on top of Busquets which gives him that extra second to get the ball moving. We can move very quickly from defence to attack, so if Stoke are up field and lose it then we can counter very quickly,
like said Tolisso and Draxler are vital in both defensive and attacking mode, they with Busquets shield our back 4 but when we are in control they will push just up ahead of Busquets 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 Italy 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 Jesus , looking to get him in on goal or indeed have a go himself,
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 Tolisso and Carvajal as the three look to eventually get the ball into Jesus 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.
Jesus 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 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.If he cant go for goal he will look to bring others into the game with short passes or lay offs.
Captain - Busquets
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Winning -
70 Mins - Rakitic for Draxler, a bit more solid in the mid 3
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus can hold it up bully defenders for final ten, still good for a goal
Losing -
70 Mins - Poulsen for Draxler 442 , will win high balls if we go that route for Jesus to latch onto
80 Mins - Coman for Mbappe straight swap
83 Mins - Sandro to LM, Neymar up top in a 3, Busquets to CB, Carvajal off for Pogba 343
Drawing -
70 Mins - Pogba for Draxler, Coman for Mbappe
80 Mins - Poulsen for Jesus
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