Overview of our 4-4-2 formation
Injuries: Gonzalez, Clayton, Calleri, Reyes

----------------------------------Karius
--------Jedvaj------------Schär-----Vertonghen------Silva
Ferreira Carrasco----Kranevitter------Óliver -----Guerreiro
---------------------------Vietto---------Rolán

Subs: Muslera, Dória, Geis, Herrera, Höjbjerg, Halilovic, Fekir

Corners: Ferreira Carrasco & Guerreiro
Free Kicks: Ferreira Carrasco
Pens: Vietto
Captain: Vertonghen

Subs: 70 Mins – Geis on for Kranevitter & on 80 Mins Fekir on for Vietto

We are playing an attacking formation designed to outscore our opponent by including two strikers plus midfielders chipping with goals as well. Our formation includes four defenders; two centre-backs and two full-backs. In midfield, we have two central midfielders and two wide midfielders.

Using the right players for this formation, our team will expect to enjoys more possession than our opponent. Our centre-backs will hold a high defensive line while our full-backs push into the attacking half to link up with our wide midfielders.

Of our two central midfielders, Kranevitter will sit in front of the centre-halves breaking up our opponent’s play, whilst his equally technically gifted midfielder partner Óliver will look to dictate play through the middle.

We’ll have variations in wide areas with Guerreiro on the left playing as a natural winger using his pace to keep the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Guerreiro’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for our strikers to exploit.

Over on the right the two footed Ferreira Carrasco will play as an unorthodox or inverted winger, who will drift inside from the flank to roam in between the lines where he can link up play and create chances by intricate play through the middle.

Of our two forwards, Vietto will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Rolán works off the shoulder of their last defender, providing a target for the service from the flanks.

The opposition defenders will have to keep a straight defensive line when defending with no significant gaps in between them, so they cannot wander around chasing players into midfield. Their midfielders cannot get too close to the defensive line because they would be conceding a lot of ground in midfield, so we can expect a gap between their defenders and midfielders.

With Rolán already occupying the opposition central defenders, Vietto will aim to exploit the awkward spaces that defenders and midfielders cannot get into, without sacrificing the integrity of our defensive shape.
This is where the advantage of having two strikers comes from because the two strikers usually get good chances if they are efficient with their movement off the ball.

comment by Super Kami Guru - #BringBackRex (U9880)
posted 2 weeks ago


----------------------Hart
Carvajal----Dante------Pepe-----Marcelo
-----------------Motta
-----------Ozil-----------Modric
Ronaldo--------Benzema-----------Draxler

Subs: Krul, Arbeloa, Vermaelen, Cuadrado, Fellaini, illarra Eriksen

Subs:
Eriksen for Ozil 70'

In today's game we are playing an attacking 4-3-3 formation. We want the win and we are gonna get it. We need to show the league why we are league champions and by God we are going to do that. We have had a poor start so far but today we will rise faster than when a man sees Katy Perry naked.

As team we will play super dooper quick. Daze the opposition. We need to be getting the ball to our pacey players. They will bring the players away from the positions thus allowing our other players to take advantage. This also means quick passing in order to keep the fast players in space.

Defensively we will play a high line and keep their forwards offside while trying to open up space for our faster players. This means our full backs will need to stick with our centre backs when we are off the ball. We will have a defensive midfielder who will stay just in front of our defence to protect them so we are not at a total weakness of being counter attacked.

Attacking wise we will get the ball into space and the fast players will take advantage. The full backs in an attacking sense will also help. We need to play quick passes, quick runs and quick changes of direction. We also need to allow a quick response to recover from mistakes.

If we are winning from the 70th minute I want us to start to keep the ball for longer periods and hold possession. Slow play right down and seriously time waste.

Positional Tactics

Our full backs defensively will stick in a high line with our centre backs. We need to trap our opposition offside making it hard for them to counter attack. However in times when it doesn't work they need to push the opposition back and reduce the space made available on this side of the pitch. They need to prevent the wingers from running in behind them and cutting inside of them. Offensively they will need to move forward with the ball and use up the space left by the opposition. When our wingers cut in, I want our full backs to take up the wide position and put the crosses in.

Our centre backs will be apart of this high line we are playing. Use their strength and pace to keep the opposition offisde and then clear the ball away. They must stay on guard for any potential runners and therefor close them off as soon as they get going. We need to limit the opportunity for them to find space by keeping goal side of them at all times. They need to use their height and strength to beat them off the ball. They also must be aware of any high balls into the box. Offensively only go up for corners.

We will play a defensive midfielder today who will protect the defence and hold up play. This means filling the gaps and creating a defensive wall to stop the opposition from breaking through. Motta must keep with the playmaker by discouraging him from moving into space, limit the chances he's able to create and keeping goal side of him at all times. Limit the available players for them, and force them to pass the ball back. Offsensively I will not allow Motta to go forward.

Modric will play further forward than normal to give us that extra option to open up the opposition and send Draxler and Ronaldo away. He needs to control play more by creating and forming the attacks. He should look to move forward to be the new option. His passing must be quick, slick and clever. He with Ozil will control our passing that allows the pacy players to take advantage of defensive friailties.

Our attacking midfielder will be Ozil who will look to run into space and finding the opportunity to change and dictate the game. He must force the opposition to open up space and allow the attacking players to break through. I want him to move about all across the centre and depending on move towards the right or the left to the ball. Defensively he must prevent people running forward and creating more ability for runs. He must try and collect the ball and release it to our wingers to form attacks since.

Our wingers need to use plenty of their skill, strength, power, pace and physicality to open up the opposition. I want them to force the attacks straight at them, bring the defenders out and then allow our attackers to take advantage. They must cut inside, run in from behind and cross the ball in so that our attacks don't end up predictable. Try and use our full backs as much as possible when attacking the opposition so that having to handle more than one player forces a mistake. Defensively they should fall back and help the full backs to defending and prevent the wingers from creating opportunities. Ronaldo should stay further forward as most players will look to leave the ball for him in the next attack.

Our striker needs to use their brain to workout how the defence works. They need to run at them using their strength and skill to cause nerves in their defence and force mistakes. The striker needs to open up space and find space as he is good at getting On the end of crosses and opportunities created. He needs to use his height to open the scoring and also use his power to force his way into goal scoring opportunities. Defensively I want him to move back to the centre circle and wait for the midfield to supply the ball to him in the event of an attack, if after 70 mins and we are winning I want the striker to move further back to control and protect the nation. We just time waste as much as possible.

Pens: Ronaldo
Long FK: Ronaldo
Short FcK: Ronaldo
Corners: Draxler
---------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

--------------------- M.Neuer ---------------
Bellerin ---- Hummels -- Varane -- Kurzawa
---------------- Xhaka ---- Matuidi
-------------------- David Silva
D.Costa ---------- A.Martial ------ R.Sterling

Subs: Horn, Marquinhos, Savic, Coquelin, Calhanoglu, P.Alcacer, J.Martinez

Another important game as we look to climb the table, a strong spine combined with a lot of pace and creativity going forward, we should look to press higher up the pitch and take the game to our opponents today.

The fluidity and movement in the final 3rd is key, we allow them to play with freedom looking for quick exchanges and intricate passing. Silva is the mastermind whilst the FB’s can get forward whilst the two CM’s sit and watch for any breaks.

M.Neuer the best GK about and injects morale into the side just knowing he is between the sticks. I need him to stay alert at all times looking to command his box with his notable presence, a great leader and communicator, fantastic shot stopper with top reflexes, very mobile, comfortable in the air and excellent distributor. Neuer has all the required traits to ensure we keep a clean sheet today.

Hummel’s leads from the back and brings a mix of brute strength and stability to the backline, a CB so dominant that he has ability to incite fear into the opposition’s attackers and individually man mark into anonymity. He has the task of keeping their more lightweight forwards on a tight leash today ensuring they are tied down and as isolated as possible. Varane partners, very skilled and fast on his feet whilst his positional awareness and reading of the game is second to none, I want him working in tandem with Hummels looking to work his socks off to close down rapidly. He is the more no nonsense type, a speculative figure in the air and rapid on the ground, I want Varane first to everything looking to stay calm and composed throughout.

Our fullbacks Bellerin and Kurzawa’s first priority today is to support with the defensive side of things. We look to tide the attacks from out wide and keep them in check. Bellerin and Kurzawa both have bags of pace and they should look to lead the opponent down the line, we limit the space and if by chance they are able to get a cross in we should be able to deal with relative ease as both our CB’s are strong in the air. In terms of going forward they should look to go one at a time, in behind and looking for cut backs into the box.

Xhaka and Matuidi vitally important to our set-up today, 2 very good tacklers that have the ability to physically impose themselves on the game and screen our back 4. I want them deep looking to frustrate the opposition and initiating quick counters. Xhaka is the aggressor in midfield looking to get himself about and winning us the ball back as quick as possible, a great tackler and engine and frees up his midfield partner. Matuidi is the more experienced with a great head on his shoulders, I want him more conservative today looking to use more of his defensive attributes, Matuidi is tireless and fierce, a great combative streak on him and well drilled to ensure he can cover every blade of grass out there, I want him closing down and regaining possession with intensity whilst simply offloading to our creators.

Our wingers up against their FB’s is a key battle today and one that we need to win, D.Costa and Sterling both fast, strong, forward thinking, skilful and like taking on their man. They have the ability to stretch the opposition like no other and are able to cut inside and impose themselves, attacking outlets going forward we give them the license to penetrate and attack with freedom. Our AM Silva looks to float in the final third and manoeuvre the ball at will, I want eye of the needle type balls looking to get our forwards through on goal whilst effortlessly linking up and exploiting the space, in terms of defensively he should look to form the tip of a diamond and man-mark their most creative outlet.

Martial is our focal point up top, a muscular outlet that has the ability to occupy the oppositions CB’s, I need him picking up pockets of space looking to use his great movement to hold up the play and link with others on a consistent basis. He will get plenty of service and support today so sole focus today should be looking to stick that ball into the back of the net.

Subs:
Coquelin > Xhaka – 70th min – Coquelin looks to ensure we are on top of proceedings looking to get himself about and winning us the ball back as quick as possible.

Calhanoglu > David Silva - 70th min - Calhanoglu plays a similar role looking to run at their backline and using his passing range to exploit the space and opposition.

J.Martinez > Martial > 80th min – A great outlet to bring on and take advantage of a tiring defense.

Captain – M.Neuer
FK’s – D.Silva
Corners – D.Silva
Pens – Matuidi

———————————————Courtois
Azpilicueta————Benatia————Terry--------—Luis
——————————-—Matic——————Vidal
————Oscar-----————————————————Williams
——————————Griezmann———Costa

Subs: Navas, Musacchio, Kondogbia, Verratti, Garcia, Muniain, Mitrovic

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Oscar
Penalties: Oscar
Corners: Oscar

We will play from deeper today in order to limit the amount of space that City have to play in, allowing them possession of the ball but leaving no gaps, engaging them in our half and then attacking their defence when they commit men forward.

We will defend in a narrow 4-4-2 in order to make things tight in the midfield, engaging the opposition from half way in order to draw them out and leave space behind them. Griezmann and Costa will look to press the deeper CMs when they get on the ball, look to slow them down and stop City dictating the tempo, allow us to control the game off the ball. Once the ball is played from here we trap City in vertical spaces. If the ball is moved into wider areas then our midfield push across looking to keep things compact and surround City on the flank, with the FB also pushing up to shut off space, and the winger on that side coming across to help with the FB. We use the opposite winger, Matic, Vidal and the remaining strikers to narrow the area of play, forming a barrier that stops them cutting in or picking central passes, one on one our FBs are excellent and will stand up strong and force them down the line if they can’t step in and reclaim possession, any crosses are easy for the defence.

When they attempt to get forward in the central third we focus more on squeezing space than the man in order to not allow them to get any numerical advantage, Oscar and Williams narrow to the CMs and CFs drop as the first line of defence to give us a 6 all close together, CFs pressing the deep midfielders, whilst the 4 man midfield make the game compact and plug all the gaps in front of our defence, FBs also narrow to the CBs to make sure that City’s only option is the wide area. Matic and Vidal will look to show their experience with a more disciplined game today, whilst the two wide men are well drilled defensively, when they attack centrally we let them have the ball, engaging them when the moment shows itself, otherwise force them sideways and backwards until we can trap them on the flanks. The FBs are always tight to the CBs when City have the ball through the middle, insuring that City’s forward line can’t play in the channels between defenders, if they try to get round the sides of our CBs, the FBs are there. Terry man marks the CF, Benatia covers his partner, either with quick interceptions or dropping back and stopping flick ons, isolate him.

Despite playing from deeper today we should be more dangerous on the attack than ever, we have a lot of pace going forward to hurt City with. We look to force them into wide areas off the ball as this will be our main area to attack them, if we can win the ball from their wide men it leaves their flanks exposed with vulnerable FBs with us defending the flanks in numbers which allows for greater and faster build up. Here the main aim is to get the two wingers running away, once they are in space they hold this width, we then want the two strikers on a tangent with their movement, when one goes wide the other stays central, when once stays deeper the other looks to run in behind, this means we have 4 players running at their back 3, as we look to attack at a high pace so their midfield can’t regain their shape, the two wingers stretching the game, forcing the CBs to split from each other, once we get into the final third City have no choice but to try and shut our wingers down, as soon as one CB is out of position, our opposite winger tucks inside and we have a 3 v 2 in and around the box. We change it up, sometimes Costa and Griezmann going wide and the wingers coming infield as all 4 are capable of playing all across the attack. The key is to play with lots of pace and flair. Plan B is when we win it centrally, we want the front two close to our midfield but once the ball is in our possession they have to be on the move, we want to hit them with a quick ball over their midfield, so Costa must be the big target man, ready for the first ball, with Griezmann and the wingers making runs off him into space so that with just one ball into Costa we have Citye back foot and skip any midfield pressing. After Costa’s ball this attack is the same as plan A, two wingers stretching City two central players so we always have numbers in the box. The FBs will be allowed to come forward when we have more stable possession in the game, when they do it allows the wingers to go central, allowing Williams/Oscar to use space infield. Matic and Vidal’s job is to insure we have stability behind the front 4, when the 4 attack, these two move forward as well so that there isn’t a big game between our midfield, with the FBs also keeping in line so if the ball is lost we have 4 players as well as the front 4 to quickly press City least slowing them down, if not winning it back high up the pitch and being clinical. At times Vidal can break from his CM role and look to add another body in the box for crosses.

If winning: Kondogbia for Williams 70’, Vidal to LM. Garcia for Griezmann 80’. Musacchio for Vidal 85’, 5-4-1.

If Drawing: Muniain for Williams 70’. Garcia for Oscar 75’. Verratti for Vidal 80’.

If Losing: Garcia for Luis 65’, 3-5-2 with Garcia behind strikers. Verratti and Muniain for Matic and Williams 75’.

Last paragraph of my tactics should say 'their defensive shape'

------------------ D.Ospina
Lichtsteiner Alderweireld De Vrij Asamoah
----------- De Rossi --- Moutinho
J.Navas ------- M.Hamsik -------- A.Young
---------------- Luiz Adriano

Subs: Rajkovic, Sagna, Ogbonna, Fernando, Cheryshev, Gabbiadini
C.Wilson

D.Ospina starts between the sticks, a reliable keeper that I have a lot of faith in I want him quick on his toes today looking to lead from the front and setting the example. He should look to make himself big at all times and narrow the angle down for the shooter, command his area with his notable presence, deal with set-pieces effectively and release swiftly and on point.

Two CB’s at the back form a solid spine in the centre of defence, 2 very contrasting styles of play ensure we are more than a match for any attacker to get the better of. Alderweireld is given the responsibility of man marking their main CF, I want him tough but fair looking to physically dominate and intimidate the opposition striker, we need to push him back from goal as far as possible and cut off the supply completely. He needs to use his upper frame as a shield looking to come across and go toe to toe with every challenge looking to block him in. De Vrij partners and is the more nimble and tactically astute of the two, I need him making the covering runs and watching for midfield runners from deep generally looking to keep everything in check and clearing danger from its first whiff. Lichtsteiner and Asamoah start at FB, priority first and foremost today is defensively as we look to keep the threat from out wide to a minimum, we need to force their wingers wide using our strength to bully them and not allowing them a inch of space, attacking wise Asamoah will be the more conservative looking to be more selective with his forward runs whilst Lichtsteiner is the more adventurous and looks to get in behind looking to whip balls into the box with his trademark deliveries.

De Rossi starts at DM looking to drop anchor and shield the back 4. He looks to keep up the intense pressure looking to win us the ball back as quick as possible and simply offloading to our more creative players. He also needs to plug the holes making key interceptions to ensure they can’t thread it through to their forwards whilst aiding in watching midfield runners from deep and intervening prior to them becoming a threat. J.Moutinho partners and acts as the workhorse, I need him using his great work ethic to cover quick ground looking to make strong and robust challenges whilst getting first to everything, in terms of attack he’s ultimately a great weapon in us being able to transition from defence to attack within a instance using his sharp burst of pace and excellent passing range to get us moving forward as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

J.Navas and Young start out wide and both ensure we can play with real width and thus stretch the opposition. Navas is very nimble on his feet and has bags of pace so I want him looking to take his FB on as much as possible, if need be go down easily in dangerous areas and force a free-kick but look to get the FB in two minds (about making a challenge) consistently and torment as much as possible looking to make it a real duel down the right and getting constant deliveries into the box. I want Young on the left as direct as Navas on the right looking to target their LB as much as possible. Lichtsteiner will form more of an outlet ensuring Young can consistently cut inside and link with others whilst getting shots off.

Hamsik is given a free role, our wingers will free him up a lot today and he will look to use his spark in the center to make things happen. A real creative outlet and acting as the brains of the side I want him drifting throughout looking for pockets of space and manoeuvring the ball at will looking to get his teammates into space. He is not only a great creative mastermind he is also very capable of goal-scoring so should look to take up positions in and around the box looking to get shots off and sharp to re-bounds, in terms of defensively he should look to form the tip of a diamond in MF and man mark the oppositions most creative AM.

L.Adriano starts up top and is very much the focal point of the side, I feel he is more than capable of bullying their CB’s today and shoeing them in so others are afforded more time and space. In terms of attack he is such an imposing outlet that we have taylor-made our game to his needs however this works both ways as he will attract defenders to him and this will open up the game for others ensuring we have various avenues to goal. In short this means he’s an ideal CF both on and off the ball and he needs to stay strong and defiant throughout looking to make himself as difficult to mark as possible and converting any chances that come his way.

C – De Rossi
FK’S – M.Hamsik
Corners – A.Young/Hamsik
Pens – L.Adriano

Substitutes:
Cheryshev > Young – 70th min
Gabbiadini > Adriano – 70th min

ASTON VILLA 4-3-3

—————————— 1. ter Stegen
26. Piszczek — 4. Kompany — 12. Smalling — 3. Shaw
——————————— 28. Khedira
———————— 19. Cazorla — 6. Koke
7. Son ————————————————— 10. Hazard
——————————— 10. Tevez

SUBS: Begovic, Skrtel, Can, Mkhitaryan, Kagawa, Sneijder, Lacazette

Captain:
Crossing free-kicks: Koke
Shooting free-kicks: Santi Cazorla
Penalties: Carlos Tevez
Corners: Koke

Game Plan: One of the most important games of the season so far, in need of the points to ensure we make champions league, so we're ready and raring to go after a poor result last time out, so we need to put pressure on the opposition. we'll set up in our usual 4-3-3 system, we'll look to dominate possession from the off, every man from 1-11 is very comfortable in possession. By keeping as much possession as possible we'll look to be patient and create space by moving the ball from side to side with a quick tempo, it should give us plenty of opportunity to dominate the midfield and then take advantage in the wide areas with the pace and movement of our front 3.

Defensively we will look to push high up the pitch, all of our defenders are quick, intelligent and comfortable in this system of defending so are able to do this without fear of the opposition being able to spring us on the counter attack. The reason for the high line is to condense the space while out of possession, denying them the space to get on the ball and turn at our defence will be crucial in winning this game. The gap between the defence and the forwards should be very tight, we don't necessarily need to go chasing the ball from their CB's but when the full backs and midfielders of the opposition receive the ball, the nearest player (whether that be a midfielder, striker or defender) should be sprinting out to him to put him under pressure, when a player leaves his position, the next man must always be aware to cover the space he leaves, it's a very fluid system that requires a lot of hard work and concentration but we're good enough to do it, we want to force the opposition to either have to pass backwards or force a mistake from the man in possession.

As spoken of previously in the tactics, we will look to be in possession a damn site more than we are out of it, we will move the ball with tempo and pace between the midfielders and forwards, however we must not be afraid to play the ball backwards in order to keep the ball if a forward pass is not on, the idea behind keeping possession for so long is to draw defenders out of position and exploit the gaps that they leave, it's very difficult to concentrate as a defender of you're under pressure for a long time, mistakes will happen.

Our 3 forwards Son, Hazard and Tevez again are all comfortable receiving the ball to feet and linking play effectively, their movement and pace will be key in dragging defenders out of position and then exploiting that space in order to create chances, this front 3 will always create chances with the quality of our midfield supplying them, they just have to take them, and they have all proven capable of that in their careers.

SUBS:

If winning after 80 mins bring on Sneijder for Cazorla. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Khedira. Fresh creativity and legs. Koke will drop back to DM to control the game with Cazorla alongside him and Hazard will playmake from behind Lacazette with Mkhitaeyan going on the left.

If drawing or losing after 80 mins bring on Lacazette for Cazorla. More goal threat, plays closer to Tevez

Stoke

-------------------R.Patricio--------------------
--------Caceres---Miranda---NKoulou--------
J.Milner---Wanyama--McCarthy---B.Mendy
---------------------Ramsey---------------------
---------------Rodrigo---Llorente--------------

Blanco, Veltman, Veretout, J.Rod, A.Traore, Mayoral, Yilmaz

We have nothing to lose against a top Villa side, but alas we go for it, we want to play possession football, from back to front, keep the ball on the deck and only resort to long high balls to Llorente if we are strugglin, in fact if we are struggling then we can easy change back to 4231 with Caceres going to RB and Mendy dropping back, Rodrigo will fill the hole behind Llorente..this is only if we are struggling..

Anywhos the back 3 will stay solid, all seasoned campaigners and know there jobs, the two outside CBs will help the wingbacks as will Rodrigo, only Llorente stays up top when we defend, whichever fullback comes forward for Villa Rodrigo will go to that side, allowing the WB to drop back, pushing the opposite CB to help the other WB..you get me?It easy stuff really. Miranda will knock all the high balls away and the 'other' CB who has not pushed wide will take care of the CF, sounds complicated but its not really. When we attack Milner and Mendy can both go and support the front 3 in a quick attack we really need to push for goals early.

Wanyama and McCarthy is quite the barrier in front to try and push back, both solid and Wanyama quite the fearsome character, he man marks and puts the fear of god into the AM with his aggression and hard tackling, he is fair tho I will give him that. McCarthy likes to break up attacks also and he can play the pass forward that will release the attack on the Villa defence.

Ramsey just in front, kinda box to box, will sit in on the DM to stop him coming forward but as we attack, he will llook to get into dangerous areas for others to pick him out so he can get ti forward to the front two, with neat through balls or indeed over the top for Rodrigo to chase down. Happy days indeed.

Llorente and Rodrigo I want to go for goals, when we attack always up top mixing it up with there defence, as we go with two up top they will panic as they should sety oput for only one CF, Rodrigo does a lot of running and Llorente is the big bad bully. Always look for the ball, knock it down for Rodrigo, Ramsey and Co. this is obviously if he isnt sticking it in the back of the net, barge past CBs with ease to get in on goal. Rodrigo the runner, I want a good solid powerful 60/65 mins from him, he knows this is the plan so 100% running at everything get in and around Llorente so the big man can find him, pull CBs away from positions, like said it will surprise Villa playing two. As mentioned previously, they have good wingers so Rodrigo must track back, must help the defence, we do this we have a chance today!

Captain - Miranda
Penalties - Ramsey
Free Kicks - Ramsey
Corners - WBS

Subs

65 Mins - Jay Rodriguez > Rodrigo same role

70 Mins - Adama Traore & Yilmaz for McCarthy and Llorente, Ramsey drop back and Traore into free role

Winning

70 Mins - Mendy to LB, Caceres to RB, Jay Rod to LM, , Wanyama behind Ramsey and McCarthy, Yilmaz on for Llorente 4141
80 Mins - Veretout for Ramsey

Drawing -
70 Mins - Yilmaz for Llorente, Veretout for McCarthy

League Cup
MANCHESTER UNITED v Wolves

Injuries: Zabaleta, Gaya, Gustavo, Mata

Handanovic
Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes - Kolarov
Gundogan - Carvalho
Pedro - Turan - Schurrle
Lewandowski

Subs: Foster, Sokratis, Delph, Rabiot, Pereyra, Mirallas, Lukaku

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

Big game today as we attempt to get through in the cup. Taking the game to Wolves by going with the plan of dominating the midfield to give ourselves the best possible chance of success, we also have made some changes while keeping the same spine to the side, a few improvements compared to the previous setup which gives us a stronger attack. Handanovic in goal, Subotic and Howedes at CB with Debuchy and Kolarov at fullback. Gundogan and Carvalho in midfield with an AM trio of Pedro, Turan and Schurrle behind Lewandowski upfront.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting three points today. Wolves have some class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Gundogan and Carvalho, and Turan ahead of them, we can control the possession and the flow of the game. Pedro at RW and Schurrle at LW both able to cut inside and get at the Wolves defence with Debuchy/Kolarov overlapping. Lewandowski 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.

Handanovic - 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 Lewandowski.

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

Debuchy/Kolarov - Both of you to force the Wolves 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 Pedro/Schurrle as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Lewandowski and link with Gundogan/Carvalho/Turan. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Gundogan/Carvalho - Gundogan playing the box to box role, assist the Carvalho in 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, Gundogan to burst forward to join the front four on occasion and bring the ball to create space for others.

Pedro/Schurrle - Both playing out wide and both have the pace 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 Lewandowski with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Gundogan/Carvalho/Turan, and capitalise on the space Lewandowski's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Turan - Turan to burst forward to join the front three as our AM, look to receive the ball and run at the Wolves defence, bring the ball to create space for others and look for the runs of Pedro/Schurrle/Lewandowski. Shoot if you get into position, also force the Wolves defenders to foul you when you're attacking as you're lethal from setpieces. Link with Lewandowski regularly.

Lewandowski - 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.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Schurrle off, Delph on. Change of formation, Delph plays deeper alongside Gundogan and Carvalho in a flat 4-5-1, Pedro to RM with Turan at LM, absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Carvalho off, Pereyra on. Same system. Pereyra to CM alongside Gundogan, Debuchy/Kolarov to get forward more often. Get closer to Lewandowski to create chances.

If losing: Kolarov and Carvalho off, Pereyra and Lukaku on. Switch to 3-1-4-2, Debuchy - Subotic - Howedes the back three, Gundogan the deep playmaker, Pedro - Pereyra - Turan - Schurrle behind a front two of Lukaku and Lewandowski. Push for goals in this must not lose game.

League Cup
Newcastle v EVERTON

Injuries: Butland, Lovren, Imbula, Tadic

Myhill
Isla - Balanta - Dragovic - Umtiti - Ansaldi
Mertens - Gonalons - Inler - Montero
Van Persie

Subs: Johnson, Romeu, Shelvey, Lanzini, Zaha, Hernandez

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

Big game today as we attempt to get through in the cup. Aim is to contain and frustrate Newcastle as we know they will be bold and attacking, we have the players to keep them out and stop them from being their usual free flowing selves. When we have possession the wingers and Van Persie upfront will be our three pronged counter attack, Mertens and Montero will provide excellent support and we will look to catch Newcastle out doing this.

This game is about controlling the tempo and giving us the best chance of getting through today. Newcastle have some class players in their side although we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front three with assistance from the fullbacks should create some chances, and in midfield we have a duo who can dictate the game in Gonalons and Inler, we can let Newcastle have the ball in their own half and dictate how it goes when they enter our final third by closing them down in numbers. Mertens at RW and Montero at LW are both able to cut inside and get at the Newcastle defence with Isla/Ansaldi overlapping. Van Persie 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.

Myhill - 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 Van Persie.

Balanta/Dragovic/Umtiti - Dragovic to mark their striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Balanta and Umtiti to be the spare men, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. If they play two strikers then Balanta picks him up leaving Umtiti as the spare man, and leave Gonalons 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.

Isla/Ansaldi - Both of you to force the Newcastle wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play a diamond with no wingers you will need to form a narrow back five with the CB's and leave no spaces in behind. When we have possession, push forward and support Mertens/Montero 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 Van Persie and link with Gonalons/Inler. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

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

Mertens/Montero - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Newcastle fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Look to supply Van Persie with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Gonalons/Inler, and capitalise on the space Van Persie's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Van Persie - you will be expected to occupy the Newcastle centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

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

If winning: Inler off, Romeu on. Extra DM, same formation, hold on for the win

If drawing: Inler, Montero and Van Persie off, Shelvey, Zaha and Hernandez on. Three like for like changes in the same system to see if we can turn this into a win.

If losing: Isla, Gonalons and Ansaldi off, Hernandez, Zaha and Lanzini on. Change to a 3-1-4-2, Balanta - Dragovic - Umtiti, Inler the deep playmaker, Zaha - Mertens - Lanzini - Montero behind a front two of Van Persie - Hernandez. Push for goals to stay in the cup.

Counter attacking 4-3-3

Pace, power and energy. We have a defence full of pace to deal with the threat of Pompey, we look to always have at least one more defender than Pompey has attacker. Defending in a deep rigid formation, we attack direct with an abundance of pace.

We have a defence very confident on the ball, and three midfielders in front who can put us on the front foot. Drive us out from the back, taking the ball from the defence spreading the play quickly.

With plenty of quality and great pace in defence we push forward in possession allowing us to press up the park, controlling play. When we lose possession, the defence drops deeper, narrowing the play with the winger opposite play dropping from the CAM position to a central position on their deepest midfielder.

N’Jie offers incredible pace up top, this will create space for the trickery of Correa and di Maria to cut through Pompey. Guarin always seeks to support, finding space and offering a great goal threat. Initial high tempo from two when we first lose possession, making it difficult for Pompey to counter.

In the league cup we give a couple young players and squad players their chance. Giving the team fresh energy, and real desire. Get at this Pompey side, take advantage of their complacency.

----------------- Oblak
A.Vidal – Otamendi - Pepe – Bernat
-------- S.Buquets – Witsel
--------------- F.Guarin
A.di Maria ------------------- A.Correa
----------------- N’Jie

Subs. Green, Abdennour, Danilo, Gerson, Werner, Jese, Bacca


Our midfield trio give us the perfect players to defend strongly and have the power and quality on the ball to break quickly.

Defence

Again we look to control the opposition pressing up the pitch from the front with the pace of our forwards, with a rigid defensive unit, defending in numbers behind. Only allowing them to play in areas, far away from our goal.

Busquets always spare, in space in front of cbs to receive the ball and spread the play, and defensively reading the play to sweep up and cover. Otamendi picking up the striker. Provided they play with two wingers, only one fb bombing forward, the other is more reserved, ready to join the attack giving us width so we can switch the play, but in a position to get back quickly if we lose the ball. Never getting too far away from their wide forward.

As they progress forward we get almost everyone behind the ball, N’Jie and one of Correa/ADM’s pace pressing from the front. Push them back to their cbs. Our wingers pick up their fb on the side of play if he attacks. Meaning they will also be in a position to expose the space behind the attacking fb when we win the ball. Witsel picks up the more attacking of their midfielders and Guarin the other.

The further Pompey progress up the pitch, the narrower we defend. Crowd their play, they will run in to trouble trying to break through us. No space for Pompey to move or play, meaning we try not to dive in where possible, if he beats you, someone else is there to get him, and if still on their feet the beaten defender gets back in.

Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, they will drop off more and narrow the play so they can bide their time, waiting for the right time to make the tackle and not diving in. If he does manage to get past you down the line, there’s a chance to stop the cross. Our cbs will dominate in the box.

Attack

Fast flowing attacking football. Di Maria, Correa and Guarin will always be looking to be direct and get at Pompey. Supporting N’Jie as much as possible, always looking to stretch their defence and the game, getting in behind.

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 for our attacking players to expose. In the middle of the park, the midfield trio look to keep the ball on the deck passing in triangles, triangles that are directed

N’Jie keep their hands full creating opportunities with his pace and movement, on the ball and off it. Creating space for the AMs, the wb and Witsel to get at their defence. His pace will allow him to get at them and in behind, drawing players out of position creating openings for others.

Subs.

If winning or drawing after 68 mins bring on Jese for Correa and Bacca for N’Jie. Fresh pace and energy up top, allowing us to keep pressing from the front and get at Pompey’s tired defence.
If winning or drawing after 72 mins bring on Gerson for Guarin. Giving Gerson’s class a chance to put Pompey to the sword.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Gerson for Witsel. 4-3-3. Guarin to cm. Gerson AM.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Werner for Guarin and Bacca for N’Jie. 4-2-4. Correa and Werner switching between Lw, and st.

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation
Injuries: Dória, Vietto, Leadbitter, Torres

Captain: Reyes
Pens: Fekir (Rolán)
Corners: Guedes/Ferreira Carrasco
Free Kicks: Halilovic

---------------------------Karius
------Ginter-- --Jedvaj---------Reyes--------Guerreiro
---Guedes--------Geis--------Halilovic ---Ferreira Carrasco
-------------------Calleri---------Fekir

Subs: Ruddy, Schär, Silva, Kranevitter, Höjbjerg, De Arrascaeta, Rolán

Subs: 70 Mins –Kranevitter on for Geis & on 80 Mins Rolán on for Fekir

We are playing an attacking formation designed to outscore our opponent by including two strikers plus midfielders chipping with goals as well. Our formation includes four defenders; two centre-backs and two full-backs. In midfield, we have two central midfielders and two wide midfielders.

Using the right players for this formation, our team will expect to enjoys more possession than our opponent. Our centre-backs will hold a high defensive line while our full-backs push into the attacking half to link up with our wide midfielders.

Of our two central midfielders, Geis will sit in front of the centre-halves breaking up our opponent’s play, whilst his equally technically gifted midfielder partner Halilovic will look to dictate play through the middle.

We’ll have variations in wide areas with Guedes on the right playing as a natural winger using his pace to keep the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Guedes’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for our strikers to exploit.

Over on the left the two footed Ferreira Carrasco will play as an unorthodox or inverted winger, who will drift inside from the flank to roam in between the lines where he can link up play and create chances by intricate play through the middle.

Of our two forwards, Fekir will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Calleri works off the shoulder of their last defender, providing a target for the service from the flanks.

The opposition defenders will have to keep a straight defensive line when defending with no significant gaps in between them, so they cannot wander around chasing players into midfield. Their midfielders cannot get too close to the defensive line because they would be conceding a lot of ground in midfield, so we can expect a gap between their defenders and midfielders.

With Calleri already occupying the opposition central defenders, Fekir will aim to exploit the awkward spaces that defenders and midfielders cannot get into, without sacrificing the integrity of their defensive shape.

This is where the advantage of having two strikers comes from because the two strikers usually get good chances if they are efficient with their movement off the ball.

Birmingham vs Chelsea
Injuries
Dominic Iorfa
Ryan Shawcross
Ben Davies
Domenico Berardi

…………………………………….Cech………………………………………
Srna……………Garay…………….Nastasic……….Adriano
…………………………………..Yaya…………………………………..
Menez………………………Pastore…………………..El Shaarawy
……………………Benteke……………Cavani………………………

Subs: Zieler. Ake, Koulibaly, Cabaye, Wijnaldum, Hulk, Pirlo

We’re the away team against a well fancied Chelsea team, I have no idea if Fan will go all out, or play the kids against us…..with that in mind we’re just going into this game all guns blazin’ in a 4-1-3-2

Forget possession football and tippy tappy nonsense this is a cup game, and a British cup game demands high intensity kick and rush “football” or as Fan calls it “fitba”

On paper my side looks totally imbalanced side, but this is all part of our canny plan, sit off and absorb the pressure that his side will clearly bring before smashing them hard and fast on the counter-attack…this will either make me look like a right eejit or a tactical genius.


Peter Cech – is still amongst the top one keepers in the world and his experience and knowledge of “the bridge” will be vital today, as he bosses the defence…keeps it simple does “Big Pete”


Srna and Adriano will provide mucho width as they bomb up and down the pitch giving us extra numbers going forwards looking to pick out our two strikers…defensively no standing off, they need to be sharp in their tackles, hitting Chelsea’s players hard as they “take a touch” we want Fan to be more “crabbit” than usual

Garay and Nastasic in the middle two more no nonsense type centre halves will look to physically rough up their strikers whilst mouthing off others call it sledging – but they’re mainly cricket fans and be discounted….such profanities as “baáwbag” “Yer mawz bawz” whilst telling Fan he’s a “jobbie jabber”

Yaya – My human wrecking ball (not as hot as Miley but still) still psyched up over “cake gate” and we’ve snuck a chocolate gateaux behind the Chelsea goal….will be our midfield enforcer today giving our defence some much needed protection but is encouraged to push forward as we counter in numbers

Menez and El Egypt – my two flying wingers, will penetrate Chelsea’s defences quicker than JT with a mates missus…not known for their tracking back but today will have to do their share, half-way line atleast before turning on the after burners and getting up front, they like to cut inside and have a go themselves as this “drifting” is key as they will have to bring runners inside with them, leaving Chelsea’s full backs exposed and giving Srna/Adriano a free-run at them

Pastore – Hey may be an ugly bassa but god damn he’s a beautiful footballer, will play as our #10 dropping off deep to collect the ball before surging forwards ball at his feet or spreading it wide for our wingers to carry, has a decent shot on him from distance and will be allowed to have a crack.

Cavani – May look a bit of a Jessie with his long hair and alice band but he’s our Jessie….big strong and comfortable with his back to goal will be the typical English style target man…holds the ball up well and attacks anything in the air, a real handful for Chelsea centre-backs

Benteke – A proper #9 will play off the shoulder of “Cav” looking to split the defence and latch onto any loose or through balls, calm in front of goal can always be relied on to get a goal or two


Subs:
60 mins like for like

Cabaye > Yaya
Wijnaldum > Pastore
Hulk > Benteke


The end

---------------------Hart---------------------
Carvajal----Stones----Rugani----Targett
-------------------Martinez------------------
---------------Milner----Modric-------------
Rodriguez--------------------------Ronaldo
-------------------Benzema------------------

Martinez, J.Jesus, Samper, Barkley, Depay, Mahrez, Bony

With Joe Hart behind the back four this is a young but solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early

Stones takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst Rugani picks up the CF. While Rugani is picking up the CF, Stones takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Rugani or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong and mature in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both quick, powerful boys. Also by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where Stones helps him, The two can form a powerful partnership with no messing. They attack all high balls and clear danger from ball whipped in.

Carvajal and Targett are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so James and Ronaldo can cut in and support Benzema. Whip in crosses for Benzema to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

With Rakitic out Milner comes in to the midfield trio, Javi Martinez is very improtant today, with such a young central pairing at the back he is there to guide them through the game. He positions himself just in front of them to provide assistance at the back. He will stop the attacking midifleder coming through. I want him just to keep it simple today as he has plenty in front to do the attacking.
Milner and Modric provide the flair in the centre, look to pick up from the back and drive forward, look to pick out the wingers/front 3 as they are deadly. Both similar that they like to get forward but in a tough game they must be controlled in what they do. Pass and move, always with there head sup looking to pass forward and not back wards.

James and Ronaldo add the flair and pace to the wings along with the power we have centrally this is a dangerous combination for there back 4, look to take men on either play it down the wing and drive passed the full back with support from the fullbacks and whip in some dangerous crosses or play it inside to Modric, Milner and Benzema and look for the one two so they can drive into the box and smash it goal wards, always driving at there defence, never giving them a moments rest when they are in possession. When we defend these two get back and make a strong midfield 5 not allowing there fullbacks to get anywhere passed the halfway line.

Benzema, a good outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Modric who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support form James and Ronaldo this is a very quick and powerul front four always driving as a quartet that defenders will fear.

Captain is Javi Martinez
Penalties is Ronaldo
Free Kicks Modric from deep, Ronaldo when going for goal
Corners will be taken by Modric

Subs
If we are winning then Samper will come on for Milner and he will sit in on 70 minutes, Depay will come on for Benzema on 80 minutes play on the LW and Ronaldo goes up front

if we are losing then Mahrez will come on for Milner and play as a No.10 and Depay for Benzema on 70 and move to LW, Ronaldo up front on 80 Minutes, Bony on for Targett and go up front with Ronaldo

Drawing then Depay for Benzema, Mahrez for Milner Depay to LW, Ronaldo up front, Mahrez to No.10

----------------Lloris-----------------
Ivanovic---Ramos--Koscienly---Clichy
-------------Luiz----------------------
-------------------Scwein-------------
----------------Ozil--------------------
----Robben-----------------Ribery----
----------------Rooney----------------

Subs:
Mvogo
Wimmer
Toulalan
Illarramendi
Cuadrado
Gaitian
Kane

We are up for this match its a big occasion that we are taking very seriously. We have a few ex Arsenal players who have just moved to us in Ramos and Ozil who will have massive points to prove. We are the home team and want to play like it so we will get at Arsenal with a quick start. Key to success today will be work rate, we will have to work hard to close down a quality Arsenal team and we have to keep moving to create space for ourselves with our pass and move football.

Lloris is a great shot stopper and keeper but one of his biggest roles today is to lead the team by being vocal and being our eyes at the back helping to stop any dangerous attacks. If the opportunity is on Lloris will look to play the quick ball out to get at Arsenal quickly. Ramos will man mark their main striker in Benzema, Ramos knows benzema game better than anyone and he has the quality to keep benzema quiet. Ramos can match him as he's very athletic and strong to deal with most types of strikers, Koscienly will be the spare CB anticipating danger from arsenals dangerous attacking midfielders and will also be on hand to help Ramos if he needs it . Ivanovic and clichy can both get forward to support attacks but only one goes at a time with the other staying back and we have Luiz and Scwein who will sit deep. Ivanovic and clichy will show Arsenal wingers down the line and not get too close to them, showing them down the line eliminates their main threat which is cutting Inside, not getting too close to their wingers means we're not likely to get skinned either. Arsenal wingers will be limited to putting crosses into the box which makes them less threatening to us and we have two good headers of the ball in ramos and kos who can deal with this threat and Benzema will start to get isolated if wingers can't support him. Luiz will always stay back using his high energy to close down the Arsenal players quick and try to win the ball back. Luiz will help to double up on Ronaldo to try to help numb his threat. Luiz can fill in as spare CB and Ramos/koscienly can come forward with the ball and this will make our play less predictable and start our attacks From deep better. Scwein sits in a DM/cm being a playmaker from deep and helping to protect our defence on rare occasion he can go forward.

Ozil will have to drop deep to collect the ball if needed but his main aim is to get in the ball and make things happen. He will have to get back and defend and make sure Martinez don't get easy possession by being on him 24/7 when we don't have the ball. Robben will target arsenals weak lb area, Robben is one of the best players in the world he will take some stopping. Robben can attack the lb and put in crosses or cut inside using ivanovic overlapping rubs as a decoy then he's on his best left foot, Robben will then look to shoot or play quick one twos, Martinez will likely be too busy marking Ozil to cover when Robben cuts inside. Ribery will play the same role as Robben mixing it up between cutting inside and going out wide. Rooney will be trying to get on the end of everything and looking for and scraps from Robben, Ozil or Ribery shots. The three behind Rooney all quality passers so he will get chances today he just needs to take them. Rooney also a great passer so he can play others like Robben into good positions. Arsenals centre backs never played against a team with quality attacking players like ours can they handle it away from home?

Subs any score:
65 Kane for Rooney
65 Illarramendi for Scwein

Subs if losing:
70 Cuadrado for Luiz and Illarramendi and Ozil play cm with cuadrado am

Subs if winning:
70 Toulalan for Ozil and he plays DM and we play on the counter attack

Subs of drawing:
75 cuadrado for Ribery

------------------------Trapp
---------Rojo-----Mustafi-----Sakho
Candreva-----------------------------Baba
--------------Parejo-----Perez
-------------Nasri----------Firmino
---------------------Higuain

Subs
Perin, Godin, Juanfran, Henderson, Pjanic, Sturridge, Suarez

Tactics

Overview
We have set up with a 3-4-3 formation today, with the aim to getting extra attacking presences further up the pitch without losing strength in midfield or attack. We are going to play an attacking style of football, being aggressive in the way we defend by pressing quickly and high up the pitch.

Goalkeeper
Come for set pieces, punch rather than try the catch, when passing the ball look to play the percentage pass to the wing backs/outside centre backs and keep possession.

Centre Backs
Mustafi will sit at the base of the 3 organising the back line and is tasked with stopping any attacks coming through the centre of the pitch, and have him go against the striker when balls are played into him.

The other 2 centre backs will play wider, having more freedom to move around and help the wing backs with wide threats or stopping runs from attacking midfielders and press higher up the pitch, they are also both good on the ball so when in possession if there is space to run into, they are given the freedom to move into it and advance the play.

Wing Backs
Both guys have the energy levels to get up and down the pitch all match long, they will be tasked with keeping the width across the pitch forcing the opposition to keep their full backs from constricting the centre of the pitch. They won't put many crosses in, rather playing shorter passes to players who have come from the middle of the pitch.

Defensively, they have the wider centre backs to help them if they are outnumbered, but we want them to stop the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and starting an attack.

Centre Mids


Parejo and Perez will be utilising their high energy styles to get themselves around the pitch, being key figures in the pressing game and always making themselves available for a pass when we are in the final third to shift their defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. When defending, both players are looking to press in the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder
s
Both guys should be looking to make themselves available for a pass as much as possible, having free roles to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, they should be looking to drift around the space between the CMs and the defence and make them have to make decisions on who goes to them. They should also look to be moving out wider to get the ball and run at defenders or make key passes and make themselves available when the wing backs have the ball out wide.

Defensively, when their CBs/Keeper have the ball they will be working with Higuain to block off the lines to the full back and any CM that comes deep to get the ball to force a long kick, in general gameplay, they will track the full backs, looking to stop them pushing on too much.



Strikers


When attacking, Higuain will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face the defenders and take them on. When defending, he will be the first line of defence, letting the CBs have the ball as much as they want, focusing instead of cutting off the passing lines to the full backs, the aim is to get their CB's/Keeper to kick it long with us having a better chance to win the ball back.

Set Pieces


Corners - Parejo takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the WB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Firmino and Higuain work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker to get a free run at the ball, Perez looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving outside the 6 yard box and use his quick reactions to deflect shots going near him. Nasri takes a position outside the box to pick up weak clearances and 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 - Higuain is the designated taker.

Subs

If Winning


68 mins - Juanfran for Nasri - Juanfran WB, Candreva AM. Fresh legs, gets more stuck in with defensive work.

75 mins - Godin + Henderson for Baba + Perez - Rojo goes to WB. Fresh defensive legs, Wing backs tuck back in more.

If Losing

65 mins - Sturridge for Baba - Firmino to WB. Wing backs act more as wingers, and we go all out to win the tie.

78 mins - Henderson + Suarez for Mustafi + Nasri - more attacking options with more runs coming from the CB position.

-----------------------Rulli---------------------
Darmian----K.Zouma--Chiellini----Ricardo
---------------Bender----T.Kroos-------------
Sanchez----------De Bruyne---------Neymar
-------------------Kun Aguero-----------------

Ward, Laporte, Marchisio, Lemina, Berahino, Morata, Dybala

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

Chiellini alongside Zouma in the defence, on this occassion Zouma will man mark the CF. Zouma is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be of no problem, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Chiellini alongside not only brings experience but also he is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, ie second striker, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Zouma if needed.

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

We go with Bender and Kroos in the centre of midfield, two absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down the AM(Bender) and second most advanced CM(Kroos) , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, then Kroos will drive on into support De Bruyne and Aguero, Bender will stay back just in case Both good on the ball Kroos will dictate from deep has a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Sanchez and Neymar coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Neymar and Aguero. Quick passing from the two as to not be shut down by the Birmingham midfielders.

Sanchez and Neymar are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas, especially with De Bruyne and Aguero central. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fiullbacks and stop them coming forward.

De Bruyne is given a free role today to try and break them down, and if Brum go with 3 guys in the middle he simply drops in as well when they attack, not too defend but to simply stop there DM trying to dictate from deep areas, if not he will drift all over as to make it difficult for his marker to pick him up, as he drifts this will leave holes in the Brum midfield for us to take advantage of. He will look to drive forward often finding himself in 1v1 or 2v2 with Aguero, he and Aguero will cause a lot of problems with skill and pace he will pass to the Aguero and look to move into fantastic positions for Aguero to get him in in on goal.

Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Brum side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar, De Bruyne and Sanchez running into support.

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go for it, at the same time nothing risky. On this tho when we attack our front four are very adaptable and will see them changing positions, so when they do, they will each take up the role as given in tactics, this will really confuse the Brum defenders and drag them all over the place.

Captain - Chiellini
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Morata for KDB - 442
75 Mins - Marchisio for Bender
80 Mins - Berahino for Sanchez

Winning
75 Mins - Lemina for KDB, he and Bender sit back, Kroos in the centre
80 Mins - Morata for Aguero
85 Mins - Laporte for Neymar, go to LB, Ricardo to RM

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. ter Stegen
26. Pizszcek — 37. Skrtel — 12. Smalling — 3. Shaw
———————— 28. Khedira —— 19. Cazorla
11. Reus ——————— 10. Hazard ————— 7. Son
————————————— 32. Tevez

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 5. Dier, 23. Can, 10. Sneijder, 13. Mkhitaryan, 35. Jovetic, 9. Lacazette

Captain: Marco Reus
Corners: Santi Cazorla
Crossing free-kicks: Santi Cazorla
Shooting free-kicks: Santi Cazorla
Penalties: Marco Reus

Little bit of a change up from last week, with us switching to a 4-2-3-1 and again a near full strength side with the experienced Skrtel in for Kompany. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting European football we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

The advantage of the 4-2-3-1 formation in terms of counter attacking is it is very easy to change quickly from defence to attack and create superior number situations in the opposition half of the pitch with the 4 rows of players on the pitch, what is a 4-5-1 in defensive situations can very quickly become a 4-3-3 in attack.

ter Stegen will play in goal, his talents are obvious to anyone, fantastic shot stopper and very good coming off his line so he can sweep up any balls in behind.

The first line of our formation is the defence, the full backs Pizszcek and Shaw are extremely fit and very strong in defence and tactically aware of their roles in this system which is crucial, they are to make the job of the wide attackers of the opposition as difficult as possible not allowing them to make runs in between themselves and the centre halves, keeping them as wide as possible and as far from goal as possible, good communication from the centre halves is crucial.

The two midfielders Khedira and Cazorla are our second line of defence and attack, by playing two deeper lying players they can rotate, one of them will always be available for the ball when we're in possession and both are able to launch attacks quickly due to their passing ability, defensively they are to watch runs from the opposition midfield who will be dangerous, both are very tactically educated and comfortable playing this way.

Our attacking midfield trio are absolutely crucial to the way we want to attack, Hazard is somewhat free of defensive responsibility as both Son and Reus are very hard working and able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes, in defence it will become a 4-4-1-1 while the offensive ability and styles of Reus and Son means the formation automatically becomes a 4-3-3 when in possession. Their pace and intelligence in making runs will cause havoc for the the opposition defence and their records speak for themselves when creating and taking chances.

Tevez will play as the centre forward, his pace and energy will be crucial in pressurising the defensive midfielder of the opposition and he never stops running. When we obtain possession his first job is to get on the shoulder of the centre halves and make runs in behind and stretch the defence, this is crucial in creating gaps between the midfield and defence of the opposition for Reus, Son and Hazard to create chances.

SUBS:

If winning after 80 mins bring on Can for Cazorla. More physical presence in midfield, and gives greater cover.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Mkhitaryan for Khedira. Fresh creativity and legs. Cazorla will drop back to DM to control the game and Mkhitaryan will playmake from beside Cazorla as well as adding an extra goal threat.

If drawing or losing after 80 mins bring on Lacazette for Son. More goal threat, plays closer to Tevez.

--------------------- M.Neuer ---------------
Bellerin ---- Hummels -- Savic ---- Kurzawa
------------- Coquelin ---- Matuidi
-------------------- David Silva
D.Costa ---------- A.Martial ------ R.Sterling

Subs: Horn, Varane, Siqueira, Alli, Calhanoglu, Oxlade, J.Martinez

M.Neuer the best GK about and injects morale into the side just knowing he is between the sticks. I need him to stay alert at all times looking to command his box with his notable presence, a great leader and communicator, fantastic shot stopper with top reflexes, very mobile, comfortable in the air and excellent distributor. Neuer has all the required traits to ensure we keep a clean sheet today.

Hummel’s leads from the back and brings a mix of brute strength and stability to the backline, a CB so dominant that he has ability to incite fear into the opposition’s attackers and individually man mark into anonymity. He has the task of keeping their more lightweight forwards on a tight leash today ensuring they are tied down and as isolated as possible. Savic partners, very skilled and fast on his feet whilst his positional awareness and reading of the game is second to none, I want him working in tandem with Hummels looking to work his socks off to close down rapidly. He is the more no nonsense type, a speculative figure in the air and rapid on the ground, I want Savic first to everything looking to stay calm and composed throughout.

Our fullbacks Bellerin and Kurzawa’s first priority today is to support with the defensive side of things. We look to tide the attacks from out wide and keep them in check. Bellerin and Kurzawa both have bags of pace and they should look to lead the opponent down the line, we limit the space and if by chance they are able to get a cross in we should be able to deal with relative ease as both our CB’s are strong in the air. In terms of going forward they should look to go one at a time, in behind and looking for cut backs into the box.

Coquelin and Matuidi vitally important to our set-up today, 2 very good tacklers that have the ability to physically impose themselves on the game and screen our back 4. I want them deep looking to frustrate the opposition and initiating quick counters. Coquelin is the aggressor in midfield looking to get himself about and winning us the ball back as quick as possible, a great tackler and engine and frees up his midfield partner. Matuidi is the more experienced with a great head on his shoulders, I want him more conservative today looking to use more of his defensive attributes, Matuidi is tireless and fierce, a great combative streak on him and well drilled to ensure he can cover every blade of grass out there, I want him closing down and regaining possession with intensity whilst simply offloading to our creators.

Our wingers up against their FB’s is a key battle today and one that we need to win. D.Costa and Sterling both fast, strong, forward thinking, skilful and like taking on their man. They have the ability to stretch the opposition like no other and are able to cut inside and impose themselves, attacking outlets going forward we give them the license to penetrate and attack with freedom. Our AM Silva looks to float in the final third and manoeuvre the ball at will, I want eye of the needle type balls looking to get our forwards through on goal whilst effortlessly linking up and exploiting the space, in terms of defensively he should look to form the tip of a diamond and man-mark their most creative outlet.

Martial is our focal point up top, a muscular outlet that has the ability to occupy the oppositions CB’s, I need him picking up pockets of space looking to use his great movement to hold up the play and link with others on a consistent basis. He will get plenty of service and support today so sole focus today should be looking to stick that ball into the back of the net.

Subs:
Calhanoglu > David Silva - 70th min - Calhanoglu plays a similar role using his passing range to exploit the space and opposition.

J.Martinez > Martial - 70th min – A great outlet to bring on and take advantage of a tiring defense.

Ox > Costa - 80th min - A like for like, Ox look to use pace to run at their backline.

Captain – M.Neuer
FK’s – D.Silva
Corners – D.Silva
Pens – Matuidi

————————————Navas
Vrsaljko—————Benatia———Musacchio———Azpilicueta
————————Loftus-Cheek——Tielemans
————Oscar———————————————Bellarabi
————————Aubameyang——Griezmann

Subs: Courtois, Denayer, Verratti, Kondogbia, Williams, Costa, Bakkali

Captain: Mehdi Benatia
Free Kicks: Oscar
Penalties: Aubameyang
Corners: Oscar

We will play from deeper today in order to limit the amount of space that Hull have to play in, allowing them possession of the ball but leaving no gaps, engaging them in our half and then attacking their defence when they commit men forward.

We will defend in a narrow 4-4-2 in order to make things tight in the midfield, engaging the opposition from half way in order to draw them out and leave space behind them. Griezmann and Aubameyang will look to press the deeper CMs when they get on the ball, look to slow them down and stop Hull dictating the tempo, allow us to control the game off the ball. Once the ball is played from here we trap Hull in vertical spaces. If the ball is moved into wider areas then our midfield push across looking to keep things compact and surround Hull on the flank, with the FB also pushing up to shut off space, and the winger on that side coming across to help with the FB. We use the opposite winger, RLC, Tielemans and the remaining strikers to narrow the area of play, forming a barrier that stops them cutting in or picking central passes, one on one our FBs are excellent and will stand up strong and force them down the line if they can’t step in and reclaim possession, any crosses are easy for the defence.

When they attempt to get forward in the central third we focus more on squeezing space rather than the man in order to not allow them to get any numerical advantage, Oscar and Bellerabi narrow to the CMs and CFs drop as the first line of defence to give us a 6 all close together, CFs pressing the deep midfielders, whilst the 4 man midfield make the game compact and plug all the gaps in front of our defence, FBs also narrow to the CBs to make sure that Hull’s only option is the wide area. RLC and Tielemans will use their youthful exuberance power and energy today to cover the ground, whilst the two wide men are well drilled defensively, when they attack centrally we let them have the ball, engaging them when the moment shows itself, otherwise force them sideways and backwards until we can trap them on the flanks. The FBs are always tight to the CBs when Hull have the ball through the middle, insuring that Hull’s forward line can’t play in the channels between defenders, if they try to get round the sides of our CBs, the FBs are there. Benatia man marks the CF, Mussacchio covers his partner, either with quick interceptions or dropping back and stopping flick ons, isolate him.

Despite playing from deeper today we should be more dangerous on the attack than ever, we have a lot of pace going forward to hurt Hull with. We look to force them into wide areas off the ball as this will be our main area to attack them, if we can win the ball from their wide men it leaves their flanks exposed with vulnerable FBs with us defending the flanks in numbers which allows for greater and faster build up. Here the main aim is to get the two wingers running away, once they are in space they hold this width, we then want the two strikers on a tangent with their movement, when one goes wide the other stays central, when once stays deeper the other looks to run in behind, this means we have 4 players running at their defence, as we look to attack at a high pace so their midfield can’t regain their shape, the two wingers stretching the game, forcing the CBs to split from each other, once we get into the final third Hull have no choice but to try and shut our wingers down, as soon as one CB is out of position, our opposite winger tucks inside and we have a 3 v 2 in and around the box. We change it up, sometimes Aubameyang and Griezmann going wide and the wingers coming infield as all 4 are capable of playing all across the attack. The key is to play with lots of pace and flair. Plan B is when we win it centrally, we want the front two close to our midfield but once the ball is in our possession they have to be on the move, we want to hit them with a quick ball over their midfield, so Aubameyang must be ready for the first ball, with Griezmann and the wingers making runs off him into space so that with just one ball into Aubameyang we have Hull on the back foot and skip any midfield pressing. After Aubameyang’s ball this attack is the same as plan A, two wingers stretching Hull two central players so we always have numbers in the box. The FBs will be allowed to come forward when we have more stable possession in the game, when they do it allows the wingers to go central, allowing Oscar to use space infield. RLC and Tieleman’s job is to insure we have stability behind the front 4, when the 4 attack, these two move forward as well so that there isn’t a big game between our midfield, with the FBs also keeping in line so if the ball is lost we have 4 players as well as the front 4 to quickly press Hull least slowing them down, if not winning it back high up the pitch and being clinical. Both these two can help our attacks out by moving the ball quickly through midfield, both have an excellent passing range, especially Tielemans who will look to act as the deep lying playmaker, whilst RLC as box to box, using his driving runs to get us forward and set up our forwards.

Subs:

If Winning: Bakkali for Griezmann 70’, go to a 4-3-3, with Oscar in AM, take control of midfield possession. Verratti for Tielemans 80’, more experience in the middle to make sure we stay on top. Denayer for Azpilicueta 85’.

If Drawing: Verratti for Loftus-Cheek 70’, take control of the game in the midfield. Costa for Bellerabi 75’, Aubameyang and Griezmann go wide, Oscar down the middle, we look to use the wingers movement off the flanks to attack the channels. Bakkali for Aubameyang 80’, element of surprise to the attack.

If Losing: Williams for Loftus-Cheek 65’, Oscar central, two natural wide men. Costa and Denayer for Azpilicueta and Vrsaljko 75’, 3-5-2:

Benatia Musacchio Denayer
Oscar Tielemans
Bellerabi Griezmann Williams
Aubameyang Costa

---------------------Hart--------------------
Danilo----Barzagli----Rugani----Marcelo
------------------Martinez------------------
------------Rakitic------Modric------------
Rodriguez-----------------------C.Ronaldo
---------------------Bony--------------------

Kru, Stones, Blind, Memphis, Shaqiri, Mahrez, Negredo

With Joe Hart behind the back four this is a solid defence, with the keeper shouting when he comes out for the ball, he will punch clear what he cant catch and look to release the ball early

Barzagli takes the free role at the back, he sits spare whilst Rugani picks up the CF. While Rugani is picking up the CF, Barzagli not being the quickest takes a step off him as he will be mindful of the CF if he gets away from Rugani or indeed any other attacker that comes through. Both need to be strong in the defence, they cannot be bullied by the CF or any other attackers, although they are both powerful boys. Also Rugani has to be mature and by mature I mean he must make desicions quickly to where he has to be, that is where Barzagli helps him, The two can form a powerful partnership with no messing. They attack all high balls and clear danger from ball whipped in.

Danilo and Marcelo are allowed to attack. When the fullbacks attack I want them up supporting our wingers getting beyond the wide forwards to give us some width and get to the bye line, so James and Ronaldo can cut in and support Bony. Whip in crosses for Bony to attack. When defending the lines, push there wingers out wide and stay on feet, dont dive in, this will force the player back or into a space they cant get out of.

Rakitic is back to have our best midfield trio out on the pitch, Javi Martinez is very important today,he helps the back 4. He positions himself just in front of them to provide assistance at the back. He will stop the attacking midifleder coming through. I want him just to keep it simple today as he has plenty in front to do the attacking.
Rakitic and Modric provide the flair in the centre, look to pick up from the back and drive forward, look to pick out the wingers/front 3 as they are deadly. Both similar that they like to get forward but in a tough game they must be controlled in what they do. Pass and move, always with there head sup looking to pass forward and not back wards.

James and Ronaldo add the flair and pace to the wings along with the power we have centrally this is a dangerous combination for there back 4, look to take men on either play it down the wing and drive passed the full back with support from the fullbacks and whip in some dangerous crosses or play it inside to Modric, Rakitic and Bony and look for the one two so they can drive into the box and smash it goal wards, always driving at there defence, never giving them a moments rest when they are in possession. When we defend these two get back and make a strong midfield 5 not allowing there fullbacks to get anywhere passed the halfway line.

Bony, a good outlet up front as he can not only take players on with his pace but is strong enough to hold off players to allow others to come in and support, especially Modric who will be up in support a lot, always looking to go for goal and two good feet, with support form James and Ronaldo this is a very quick and powerul front four always driving as a quartet that defenders will fear.

Captain is Andrea Barzagli
Penalties is Ronaldo
Free Kicks Modric from deep, Ronaldo when going for goal
Corners will be taken by Modric

If we are winning Blind will come on for Rakitic on 70 mins and sit in beside Martinez, also Mahrez for James

If we are losing Memphis will come on for Bony on 70 mins and Ronaldo will go up front, Shaqiri for James also to give us extra width. On 80 Mahrez for Rakitic and play just behind Ronaldo

If we are drawing the memphis for Bony, Ronaldo up front, Shaqiri for James both on 70 mins

Overview of our 4-4-2 formation
Injuries: Karius, Schär, Stark, Rolán

Captain: Reyes
Pens: Vietto
Corners: Guedes/Óliver
Free Kicks: Halilovic

-----------------------------Prior
------Ginter-----Jedvaj---------Reyes-------Guerreiro
---Guedes--------Geis----------Halilovic----------Óliver
-------------------Calleri---------Vietto

Subs: Ruddy, Süle, Silva, Kranevitter, Ödegaard, Ferreira Carrasco, Fekir

Subs: only if for one of my players
Will switch to a 4-4-1 regardless of who is sent off
Basically Vietto is the sacrificial lamb so if he is sent off then no subs – just play Calleri upfront
If GK sent off; Ruddy for Vietto
If RB sent off; Süle for Vietto and Jedvaj becomes RB
If LB sent off; Silva for Vietto
If Geis sent off; Kranevitter for Vietto
If Halilovic sent off; Ödegaard for Vietto
If RW/LW sent off; the two footed Ferreira Carrasco for Vietto
If Calleri sent off; Fekir for Vietto

We are playing an attacking formation designed to outscore our opponent by including two strikers plus midfielders chipping with goals as well. Our formation includes four defenders; two centre-backs and two full-backs. In midfield, we have two central midfielders and two wide midfielders.

Using the right players for this formation, our team will expect to enjoy more possession than our opponent. Our centre-backs will hold a high defensive line while our full-backs push into the attacking half to link up with our wide midfielders.

Of our two central midfielders, Geis will sit in front of the centre-halves breaking up our opponent’s play, whilst his equally technically gifted midfielder partner Halilovic will look to dictate play through the middle.

We’ll have variations in wide areas with Guedes on the right playing as a natural winger using his pace to keep the width down the flank in the final-third and look to supply crosses to the two strikers. Guedes’s positioning in the wide areas should pull the opposition full-back out wide, thereby opening the channels for our strikers to exploit.

Over on the left Óliver will play as an unorthodox or inverted winger, who will drift inside from the flank to roam in between the lines where he can link up play and create chances by intricate play through the middle.

Of our two forwards, Vietto will run the channels and drop into pockets of space in between our opponent’s defenders and midfielders, while Calleri works off the shoulder of their last defender, providing a target for the service from the flanks.
The opposition defenders will have to keep a straight defensive line when defending with no significant gaps in between them, so they cannot wander around chasing players into midfield. Their midfielders cannot get too close to the defensive line because they would be conceding a lot of ground in midfield, so we can expect a gap between their defenders and midfielders.

With Calleri already occupying the opposition central defenders, Vietto will aim to exploit the awkward spaces that defenders and midfielders cannot get into, without sacrificing the integrity of their defensive shape.

This is where the advantage of having two strikers comes from because the two strikers usually get good chances if they are efficient with their movement off the ball.

-------------------De Gea------------------
Darmian---Bonucci---Laporte---Ricardo
----------March---Kroos---Pogba---------
Sanchez-------Kun Aguero-------Neymar

Rulli, Zouma, Kovacic, De Bruyne, El Ghazi, Morata, Berahino

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

Laporte alongside Bonucci and on this occassion Bonucci will man mark the CF. Bonucci is quick and skillfull for a CB, with great marking abilities, powerfully built so marking the CF should be of no problem, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Laporte is fantastic v big men and in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger, will help out Bonucci if needed.

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

We go with Pogba, Marchisio and Kroos in the centre of midfield, three absolute workhorses, with fantastic defensive attributes as well as being good on the attack, when we defend they will work together to shut there midfield down , they will close down everything very quickly and not allow there players any time on the ball whatsoever, once the ball is won, one of Marchisio/Kroos and Pogba will drive on into support Aguero, Marchisio or Kroos will stay back just in case All are good on the ball Kroos will dictate from deep and they all have a great eye for goal, can shoot from a variety of angles. look out for Sanchez and Neymar coming inside and put some nice crisp through balls into them and Aguero. Quick passing from the three as to not be shut down by the Arsenal midfielders. We have to get on top early as they too have a classy trio.

Sanchez and Neymar are known for their creativity, speed, and technical ability and are fearless, explosive attacking midfielders who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble. Both technically excellent in limited areas, fast explosive acceleration during the first ten yards. Which more often than not takes them passed defenders and allows them to get into dangerous areas, especially with Pogba and Aguero central. Always play with there heads up looking for the runs of others to get the ball into there feet. When they have the ball look to stick close to fiullbacks and stop them coming forward as they do like to attack, but be ready to counter as they do play a high line.

Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away this Brum side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. They are slow at the back so our forwards must hit them with pace. Good is surprisingly good in the air and two good feet, can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Neymar, Pogba and Sanchez running into support.

A very difficult game but we have a good side defensively and going forward, quick passing, one twos and drive into positions to receive a return ball, we really must go for it, at the same time nothing risky. On this tho when we attack our front four are very adaptable and will see them changing positions, so when they do, they will each take up the role as given in tactics, this will really confuse the Arsenal defenders and drag them all over the place.

Captain - Marchisio
Penalties - Aguero
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing
- Kevin de Bruyne for Marchisio on 65 and go to AM
- Morata for Ricardo on 80 he goes up top and 3 at the
- back
- El Ghazi for Sanchez on 82, to have a real go at a -tiring LB

Winning
- Kovacic for Marchisio, fresh legs in the centre on 70
- Morata for Aguero on 80
- Zouma for Kroos on 85 sit in at DM

Drawing
- Kovacic for Marchisio on 70
- Berahino for Sanchez on 75
- Morata for Aguero on 80

-------------------Patricio--------------------
Knoche----Miranda----Nkoulou----Caceres
-------Ramsey--Wanyama--Wilshire--------
-------------------Valbuena-------------------
---------------Muriel----Yilmaz---------------

Blanco, Veltman, McCarthy, Traore, Ayew, Austin, Thorgan

A stong back 5, Knoche not in his favoured position but how hard can it be to shift across a bit. He and Caceres dont attack all that often so this creates a good solid bank of four at the back, Miranda is da boss and leads them correctly to make sure they are all positioned to keep the opposition at bay. Nkoulou man marks the CF and stops him getting into dangerous areas.

Midfield diamond sort of with Wanyama at the base and Vakbuena at the tip, Ramsey and Wilshire looking to dictate the play in between. Wanyam sits just in front of the back four making it near feckin impossible for southampton to get through, he is a tough lad, who tackles firmly and fairly, he stops the AM controlling the game, when we attack Valbuena will get in the way of the other CM as Ramsey and Wiulshire push out to cover which ever winger is coming forward, Muriel has to put in a shift as well as he covers the DM, it has to be had working or we r fecked. Going forward tho we are dangerous especially with the front three, Ramsey and Wilshire must get them into the game, up top we have evrything, pace, skill, power, those two can join the attack also as we have cover. Valbuena will look to run the line with Muriel the pair will mix it up and try and drag players all over the shop freeing up room for Yilmaz to break into for the ball to played into. He is a powerful lad so look to alwatys be on the last man ready to pounce, if not look for Muriel, Valbuena etc

CAptain - Miranda
Pens - Yilmaz
Set plays Valbeuna

Subs -
Losing -
A.Ayew for Valbuena he and Muriel look to play wider on the wings on 60 Mins in a more direct 433
Austin for Knoche, 3 at the back, Ramsey further up 3412 on 70
Traore for Muriel on 80

Winning -
70 McCarthy for Wilshire
80 Austin for Yilmaz
85 Veltman for Muriel 5 at the back

Drawing
65 Mins - McCarthy for Wilshire, Ayew for Muriel
75 Mins - Austin for Yilmaz

Birmingham vs Liverpool

iNJUries:
Darijo Srna
Ben Davies
Andrea Pirlo
Andros Townsend

………………………………………….Cech…………………………………..
…………………………Nastasic……Garay…….Romagnoli……………..
Iorfa……………………..Yaya………………….Cabaye……………………..Adriano
…………………………………………Berardi……………………………………………
………………………….Cavani……………………Benteke…………………………

Subs: Zieler, Koulibaly,Walker,Menez, El Shaarawy, Hulk, Defoe

Tino Bambino takes on two roles this weekend so for once he’s literally involved in a six pointer…… away at Liverpool so we’re parking the bus (mainly to save it being stolen)


Not sure how Merseyside Red’s will line up but it matters not as this system will beat any combination of players LSTD manages to muster together, presuming he’s finished fluffing his cushions after eating his oreo ice-cream and getting his nails done.


We normally look to play patient possession based football but that’s out the window today as we go old school quick direct – that’s direct not long passing……if Gerrard picks out a 50 yard ball it’s a direct pass, if Johnny Foreigner does it, it’s long ball, don’t believe me? Email Andy Townsend.


3 centre-backs in today to deal with
The elephant man
The elephant maaaaan
Diego Costa
The elephant man

He’ll be biting,scratching, sneaky elbows and all the other dark arts that he mastered whilst negotiating a transfer from Brazil to Spain, Garay will be the man to deal with him today, wherever Oscar’s dad goes, Garay will be a second skin. Nastasic and Romagnoli will be the spare men covering the runs from deep and supporting Garay as and when required….

Iorfa – fresh from his call up to the England U21 squad and Adriano will be given Carté Blanche (sorry for the use of French – won’t happen again) to attack at will, and give our side some much needed width, we’re playing 3 strikers so they should have plenty to aim at in the box


Yaya & Cabaye – Liverpool have a pretty strong midfield and have plenty of options, key for us today is how this pairing deal with “The Scouse” – Sounds worse than it actually is…..Cabaye will sit and hold the midfield breaking up play and then pushing on as the 3 at the back should give us enough numbers…Yaya will be his dynamic self, performing his lung-busting runs in a box-box role – It’s vital he gets the better of Vidal in the centre of the pitch

Berardi – Plays as the #10 today, but not in a Baggio way, he’s much more direct I want him just behind the front two, running on behind the defence, as an eye for goal…could be a real difference maker

Cavani – The target man

Benteke – The fox in the box playing off the shoulder of the last defender

Subs –

65 mins all subs are fresh legs:

Hulk > Benteke
Menez > Berardi
El Egypt > Cavani

The End