--------------------------Cillissen---------------------
----Manquillo-----Pique-----T. Silva----Alba------
---------------Macherano------Saul------------------
-------Isco----------------Iniesta-----------Bale-----
----------------------------Messi-----------------------
Subs: Moya, Gimenez, Mathieu, Gabi, S. Roberto, Vela, Torres.

Team with a great amount of quality to it. A fantastic spine with experience, energy and creativity. The main game plan is to have our side dominate possession and look to get the ball forward quickly with atacking, fluid football. Mascherano will drop into CB when we have the ball to allow Manquillo and Alba the license to really bomb on down the flanks and Saul as the engine creator in midfield. The front 4 must use all of their creativity, movement and shift the ball quickly in gaps to open up the opposition defence.

Cillissen is an excellent shot stopper and with the use of his feet too. Must look to distrbiute to the centre backs, organise and trust their ability on the ball. As said, Masherano drops into CB along with Pique and Thiago Silva as they build from the back with them 3 in possession of the ball. Manquillo and Alba now have the license to go forward and really squeeze their wingers back and make a link with Isco and Bale out on the flanks. They defend with rigidity and minimise all the gaps in behind and between the lines.

Saul is at the base of the midfield when they have the ball. He looks to use his energy and creativity and link the play up as much as possible. He needs to receive the ball from the defenders always creating an option for them and he needs to find a pass into the more attacking players or the full backs in wider areas advancing. Isco, Iniesta and Bale are the forward midfielders, must link everything together and exploit all the gaps. Isco has the license to roam inside with Manquillo providing the width out wide on the right hand side so Isco can come and play through the middle. Iniesta floats and roams and looks for the right moment to pick a right pass. Bale really gets forward and looks to get a 1v1 with his man and use his explosive pace to get round him and work the ball into the area.

Messi is at the tip of the attack. With his ability, there is no limit as to what this side can produce. Must be making himself hard to mark and pick up and really needs to create and get into goalscoring areas where he is his biggest threat. Always playing on the floor and looking to link with the midfield to get in behind the defence and into the box as much as possible where the team will score goals.

Subs:
Gabi for Saul (70 mins)
Vela for Isco (75 mins)
Gimenez for Manquillo (80 mins)

Athletic/Villareal/Sevilla squad:
GK: Gorka Iraizoz
GK: Sergio Asenjo
DF: Adil Rami
DF: Benoit Tremoulinas
DF: Mariano
DF: Yuto Nagatomo
DF: Mario Gaspar
DF: Victor Ruiz
MF: Mikel San Jose
MF: Beñat Etxebarria
MF: Markel Susaeta
MF: Raul Garcia
MF: Denis Cheryshev
MF: Bruno Soriano
MF: Vitolo
MF: Franco Vazquez
FW: Aritz Aduriz
FW: Cedric Bakambu

--------------------Leno
Coleman---Ginter---Rudiger---Baines
------------Ramsey-----Dier
Candreva--------Ozil----------Anderson
-------------------Cavani

Bernat
Can
McCarthy
Moura
Martinez
Mor

For today’s game against the Portuguese we have chosen to set up with a technically gifted side that will primarily aim to play the ball from feet from the back to the front. We have a side full of energy and pace, with our midfielders all having good footballing brains, allowing us to set up quick and incisive attacks from across the entire team. We have to break forward with pace when on the attack, knowing that we have the energy within the team to get back if we lose possession. We know that the Portuguese possess a physical presence and threat so it is up to us to keep the ball on the deck and avoid fighting an aerial battle.

Defensively we have chosen to start with Rudiger and Ginter, knowing that they may struggle against the power of the likes of Bony or Benteke. For that reason we have told them to harass and niggle at the opposition strikers when they have their fronts to goal, but stand off and allow them to bring the ball down with their backs to goal, before nipping in and robbing the ball. Both our defenders are more than comfortable on the ball, allowing them to put their foot on the ball and spread it quickly out wide to our attacking full backs or forwards to Dier, who will drop back to allow another option. They will have to use their footballing brain to outsmart the opposition strikers when on the ball, but we don’t expect a spectacular pressing performance.

Baines and Coleman offer us a definite outlet going forwards. They have the energy to fulfil the game plan that we have set about in our introduction. They will run the lines, providing overlaps and support to our attacking wingers. When the opponents are on the ball they must get back swiftly and defend in a similar style to the centre backs, harassing and niggling their wide players whilst pushing them out wide and onto their weaker feet. If they take possession then they will look to move forward and into space before playing through balls down the line for our wide players or looking inside for the likes of Ramsey or Ozil. Both Baines and Coleman are capable of pulling off shots as well, so they can be prepared to take long shots from range if no other options are on.

Eric Dier will serve as the linchpin in our midfield. He will sit deep, allowing for Ramsey to push further forward when we are on the ball. Dier will be quick to go into challenges with the opposition attacking midfielders, whilst also helping to block off any wingers that may manage to cut inside. He is a defensive powerhouse willing to get stuck in. If the opposition attacks and our full backs are caught out of position then it will be Dier’s responsibility to fill in, dropping back to form a three man defence of
-------Ginter----Rudiger-----Dier
To nullify the potential attack until our full backs can return to position. If our centre back pick up the ball then it will be up to Dier to drop back and provide a short pass option. When he is himself on the ball he will look to make simple passes, either setting Ramsey up on the run or looking forward for the drifting Ozil.

Aaron Ramsey has to go into todays game and serve as our most industrious player. We know that he has the energy to sustain a running game throughout. He will push forward when we are on the ball, alleviating any pressure that Ozil may come under. He will make himself available for simple passes and through balls, getting himself into the right positions as we know he can. When the oppoisiton have the ball then he will drop back, fitting in next to Dier as midfielders that aren’t afraid to get stuck in and break up the flow of play.

Mesut Ozil is a key player for us today. Combined with the two wingers that have been picked to play we have decided to give him a broadly free role, allowing him to drift across the three attacking positions. We feel that this is the best way to utilise his attacking abilities, whilst also pulling their markers out of position and creating more space in the middle for our wide men to cut into. Ozil will look to supply Cavani with through balls and low crosses into the box, avoiding the height that the Portuguese have, and presenting Cavani with chances to put away.

Anderson and Candreva are pacey and tricky wingers, capable of running at full backs and cutting inside onto their second feet. I want them to have a free role, swapping sides and alternating in attacks, to hold the defence back and use their movement to create space for other attacking players. When putting balls into the box they should be low, which works well for Cavani, Ramsey and Ozil, who will be the players trying to find space.

Cavani will not be afraid to drop off from the defending centre backs. We don’t wan him to play with his back to goal, and we need him to be confident enough to run at defenders and use his strength to force his way through. He needs to attack the defenders with strength and power, getting away from them to test any of a weak set of keepers with shots early on.

Substitutes

60 mins – Leighton Baines off, Bernat on – Baines isn’t as young as he used to be. Bernat offers us fresh legs on the left hand side as Baines may tire from his running game.

If losing/drawing
65 mins – Anderson off, Moura on, Ozil off, Mor on – More fresh legs in the attack. Moura and Mor add more pace to an attack that may be starting to tire. They are both tricky players that are capable of getting behind the lines and forcing chances.

If winning
70 mins – Dier off, Can on, Ramsey off, Mccarthy on – Fresh legs in the midfield area. McCarthy will sit back more than Ramsey did, with us concentrating in getting the result.

--------------------------Weidenfeller
Kimmich-------Sven Bender--------Badstuber--------Alaba
----------------------Weigl--------------Sanches
------Passlack--------------Thiago---------------Pulisic
-------------------------------Müller

Subs: Starke, Durm, Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Green, Ramos, Kießling


Our defensive unit consists of Sven Bender and Holger Badstuber paired up at centre-back, Joshua Kimmich at right-back and David Alaba at left-back, with Julian Weigl and Renato Sanches as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Weigl and Sanches we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Renato Sanches can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Julian Weigl can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Sanches’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Sanches running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Julian Weigl.

A holding midfielder through and through, Weigl is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Weigl such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Felix Passlack, Thiago and Christian Pulisic as our band of three attacking midfielders and Thomas Müller as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Weigl or Sanches, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Kimmich and Alaba can surge up the wings in the knowledge that the Weigl and Sanches can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Passlack and Pulisic who are fast dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Thiago our attacking central midfielder is a creative passer who will look to play them or Thomas Müller in via fast passing combinations.

No doubts that Thomas Müller is our luxury player. What Muller brings to the table is unique. Among the many technically brilliant, yet sometimes overly calculated and predictable attacking players, Muller offers an element of surprise. An edge in attack.
Some players have patterns of plays and runs that repeat themselves. Muller rarely makes the same run or move twice.

Some players suffer dips in form that visibly affect their performances, slumps that completely remove them from matches. Muller can have a quiet 89 minutes but come up with a moment of brilliance that will win our team the game.

Sub: 75 Mins: Green on for Passlack (Green at LW, Pulisic moves over to RW)

Leicester vs Germany

Pressing 4-5-1
We’ve gone with a side that is first and foremost strong defensively. Away to a German side in the Champions League we want to stop them playing. Pressing high up the park. Winning the ball to use our pace in the front three to counter.

Playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. Going forward we will be direct. Get the ball to the front three as quick as possible.

The side picked reflects that, with high energy and work rate throughout the team including the front 3.

We have also given a few young players an opportunity and so are ensuring we have a side with strong cover, and puts the emphasis on defencing as a team and unit.

In midfield, Bazoer offers power that can attack as well as strong defensive cover next to our dm Javi. As the most attacking of the three, Brozovic offers high energy and the ability to create for the front three.

Gaya is given freedom to attack with Howedes being more reserved when we have the ball. Correa who was important for us last year will be looking to show he’s more than just a super sub. Costa and Willian play their natural games.

Our aim is not to win the ball back to dominate possession but to ensure that we keep the opposition in areas they can’t hurt us, and that we can win the ball back and counter quickly.

------------ Handanovic
Howedes – Elvedi - Ramos - Gaya
--------- Bazoer – Javi.M
-------------- Brozovic
Willian ------------------- A.Correa
--------------- D.Costa

Subs. Bentley, Danilo, Moutinho, James, Oyarzabal, Hazard, Ibrahimovic

We look to play with a high tempo when we don’t have the ball, win it back quickly. If we win the ball back high up the pitch we look to attack quickly and be direct, get at Pompey when they aren’t in position.

Defensive
Don’t let them play.

We look to press the opposition high up the pitck as soon as they look to play out from the back. We let their cbs have the ball, but as soon as it goes to their fbs/midfielders we are all over them. Costa blocking the pass to the cbs and a winger pressing the fb, with the team as a unit pushing up behind them in two banks of 4. Narrowing to the side of play.

Brozovic narrows to the side of play picking up any wide midfielders coming deep, while the opposite winger tucks in line with Javi on the other side of the park, deeper than Bazoer and Brozovic. Bazoer presses the cm that will be looking to come deep to collect the ball not letting him turn.

The midfield four is therefore in a compact zig zag shape. Allowing us to cover horizontal and vertical angles on the field, and cover space more effectively. Give them no options to play through. Force them to make mistakes and take chances.

When the opposition do get the ball to the midfield, our 4 man midfield drops deeper. Javi drops in between the defence and midfield to cover, with the winger that was pressing the fb dropping in line to make a new midfield 4 who continue to press the ball in a zig zag shape.

We aim to have 10 players behind the ball defending and keeping ze Germans away from our defence at all times. Defending in numbers, in a rigid compact unit that will be difficult to break through.

Attacking

As soon as we win the ball we look to get it to our wingers as quickly as possible. Put the opposition under pressure. Willian and Correa are given freedom to take players on. Costa running the channels looking to link up.

Use the pace of the trio to get them in behind where possible, Brozovic will always be looking to play through balls or balls over the top. Bazoer looking to use his power to break forward and support. Javi always sitting.

The midfield should never be flat. Create as many lines as possible to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition. Our wide attackers, and the attacking fb look to give us width and stretch the game.

Costa up top is always ready for a long diagonal to put him straight through on goal. We will vary our play going forward, looking to go direct if a ball is on.

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Moutinho for Brozovic.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Hazard and Oyarzabal for Correa and Willian. Fresh pace in attack as opposition push forward for a goal.

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Moutinho for Bazoer. More creative.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Hazard for Correa and Danilo for Elvedi. Howedes to cb.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Hazard and James.R for Correa and Brozovic. 4-2-3-1
If losing after 72 mins bring on Ibrahimovic for Gaya. 3-5-2.

FioInter Milan
4-5-1 Counter

First and foremost we want to be difficult to beat. We have gone with a majority of Italian players, bring it back to Catenaccio. Musacchio is the free cb, sweeping. As the other 3 defenders man mark the likely 3 Newcastle attackers (striker and wingers). Motta using his intelligence to sit, and sweep in between the defence and midfield.

Lapadula and Bonaventura’s energy will be important in pressing Toon higher up the pitch. Not allowing them to counter, and allowing us to get back in to position.

When the opposition have the ball. We defend deep, everyone behind the ball bar Dzeko. Motta sweeps in front of the defence, with Loca and Ramires going man for man with their more attacking cms. The winger opposite play looks to come narrow, sit in front of their dm. Stopping a pass, and in a position to break on the side of play or to get back and help the defence if needed.

We defend in this unit. Man for man with three players spare covering the central zones. Dzeko remains free up top.

------------ Donnarumma
Abate -– Subotic –- Musacchio -- Santon
----- Ramires – T.Motta – Locatelli
Lapadula ------------------ Bonaventura
--------------- E.Dzeko

Subs. Sportiello, B.Peres, N’Zonzi, Schweinsteiger, Yaya, Tello, Gervinho

Looking to defend as a unit and attack on the break. Dzeko offers someone who we can go long to, while we’ll also look for diagonals/long balls to the wide players. Locatelli and Motta will be the players looking to come deep, collect the ball, and set us on the attack.

Down the wings we have pace and great energy, and in the central midfield trio we have a mix of everything. Locatelli and Motta offer the ability to pick passes going forward, while Ramires’s drive and energy will be important going forward and in defence. Motta will be the most defensive of the trio, using his intelligence and positioning to sit in front of the defence. Locatelli has freedom to join the attack and create.

When we attack we look to attack narrow, Lapadula and Bonaventura come inside, looking for space in between the midfield and defence. We want them to support and play off Dzeko as much as possible. Look to overload them in this area with Ramires and Locatelli supporting. Locatelli and Bonaventura offering the Italian flair going forward. Lapadula too, but more of a Vardyesque flair.

Set pieces will also be important, likes of Motta, Subotic and Musacchio joining Dzeko in the box for all corners and free kicks. Bonaventura on set pieces.

Viva Italia!

If winning after 65 mins bring on Peres for Lapadula.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Tello for Bonaventura and Schweinsteiger on for Locatelli.

If drawing after 60 mins bring on N’Zonzi for Motta and Yaya for Locatelli.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Tello for Lapadula.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Peres for Loactelli. 4-4-2. Peres RM, Lapadula up top with Dzkeo.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Yaya for Lapadula. Up top.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Gervinho for Abate. 3-4-3. Aim for his forehead.

Can you list the squad rof

It's just the 18 players I've picked. Or do I need 21?

18 but can you list them so I can post it

Will list them out when I'm back on laptop

Sound

1. Donnarumma
2. Abate
3. Santon
4. Musacchio
5. Subotic
6. T.Motta
7. Locatelli
8. Ramires
9. Dzeko
10. Bonaventura
11. Lapadula
12. B.Peres
13. Sportiello
14. Tello
15. Schweinsteiger
16. Gervinho
17. N'Zonzi
99. Yaya Toure

-------------------- Navas ---------------
Alves ------- Mustafi -- Savic -- Digne
-------------------- Carrick ---------------
--------- Fernandinho -- Gundogan ------
Costa ------------ Morata -------- Kishna

Subs: Neuer, Jones, Gibbs, Matuidi, Soler, Nkoudou, Martial

Attacking 4-3-3, pace, power, possession, high work rate and total control of the game.

7 changes from our last league game, ensure we are able to keep the side fresh and utilise our squad.

Emphasis will be on controlling the midfield, key to our attacking based possession game, i want a pack mentality always looking to have more numbers then the opposition in this area, winning the ball back through a high press and spraying it about with fluidity.

High line, pin them back and take control in higher areas of the pitch, Digne and Carrick sit back and watch for any counters with our 2 CB’s at the back.

Navas take command of his area and we look to take full advantage of his quality, sweep up at the back and distribute into space.

Our two wingers always stay wide and the front 3 always look to make runs in behind, stretch the opposition and allow our midfield trio to pick you out with ease, roaming into space and quick movement is essential to get at their backline.

We should be quick to bypass their initial phase of pressing, play out from the back but keep it simple, get it into the feet of the midfielders without them having to come deep, as many options further up the field is imperative, bully the opposition and make them chase our shadows.

Defensively we transition into a 4-1-4-1, two banks of four with a solid structure and organisation. When we press, we press as a unit, high work rate, if one of our players is quick to advance and shut down then his teammates either side must be quick to cut off any of their passing options, isolate and leave no easy option.

If they advance into dangerous areas, we should look to drop deep (10 men behind the ball) and crowd them out, squeeze the space and options in the final 3rd. Midfield and wingers look to provide barriers, these barriers need to make it as difficult as possible to breach our defence, never shy away from defensive responsibilities.

Frustrate the opposition with our organisation, stay rigid and allow their attackers little involvement in the game so they have to come deeper to get involved, make them play in front of us and ensure we prevent runs in behind as much as possible.

In attack we need to create as many lines as possible in midfield to counter their press, into feet with pace, never afraid to go back but look to probe and create gaps, open up space and feed the ball to the attackers.

Diamond in midfield, passing in triangles and using high energy, distribute and get them running after our shadows. The longer we are on the ball, the more they will tire as the game progresses.

We should actively look for one on one situations, take advantage of the inexperienced defence, penetrate and create holes and always on the run, never standing still.

Wingers are key as we look to exploit the width on offer, stay wide and look to get it in their feet so we can transition instantly into a counter attacking threat. Look for the runs of the forward and get service into him from wide.

When we win the ball in midfield, Gundogan is the initiator in attack, get him on the ball and looking for an early release, we need his calm presence and eye for a pass, the base for a counter and feeding the ST as much as possible.

Service out from the back, put them off their organisation with diagonal balls over the top into feet, switch the play quickly and allow the attackers to run into space.

Morata strong as an outlet, get our midfield and flankers into the game. Drop deep at times to get involved and dominate the CB's aerially.

Subs:
60th minute - If winning - (4-3-3 )
Matuidi > Gundogan
Nkoudou > Costa
Gibbs > Digne

60th minute – if draw - (4-3-3)
Matuidi > Fernandinho
Martial > Kishna

60th minute - If losing - (4-4-2)
Martial > Kishna
Matuidi > Fernandinho
Nkoudou > Carrick

C – Navas
FK’s – Gundogan
Corners – Gundogan
Pens - Morata

——————————Courtois
Meunier——Christensen———Terry——Marcelo
———————————Danilo
——————Rakitic———————Koke
Aubameyang—————Lukaku——————Griezmann

Subs: Scuffet, Grimaldo, Casemiro, G.Castro, Ferreira-Carrasco, I.Williams, M.Cornet

Captain: John Terry
Free Kicks: Koke
Corners: Koke
Penalties: Antoine Griezmann

First game in Europe and we will be looking to put in a commanding performance, controlling the midfield with a high press, making sure we constantly stay on the front foot and use our free flowing movement in the forward positions to open up the stubborn Italian backline.

Tactically we go with the 5 and 5 system to allow us to defend higher up and dominate the midfield battle which will be crucial. This means that from the off we press their back line with 5 players, Lukaku the first line getting in the faces of the CB’s with our two wide men right onto the FBs so the Italians can’t move wide, with Koke and Rakitic able to step up and block the route to the CM players. By using this 5 man block to hurry the Italians up in possession it allows us to set up with a second block of 5 who are organised into positions where they can just mop up the oppositions hurried attempts to get forward. At the head of this block are Marcelo and Meunier, naturally FBs but very good ball players and adept at playing further infield when they have the ball, we want to use them further inside this week to dictate play so they will be more infield when defending as with the italians route to the wide areas blocked by our wingers their own wingers will then be forced inside, thus we keep us dominating the numbers game. Marcelo and Meunier then look to win the first ball that beats our first 5 man block, mopping up and getting the ball quickly out to the flanks or into the channels, no messing about looking to slow tempo and hold onto the ball, just release it into the areas with space. If the oppo wide men look to pick pockets of space in the wide areas then the FBs will obviously readjust to deal with that and make sure they follow them. Behind the FBs we have Danilo and the CBs together as a 3 at all times and pushed up to make things compact, between them they have more than enough to deal with 2 strikers, all three able to react quickly and cut long balls into the forwards out. Danilo, Christensen and Terry also all have a good passing range and will look for the first time balls to the flanks.

If they get deep into our half we will begin focusing on controlling space rather than pressing their men, drop off and make sure their are no gaps to play through. At this stage we will look to make things narrow in midfield with the inside forwards dropping in to the midfield as narrow wide men, with Koke between them, Danilo and Rakitic covering the space behind so that the italians can't play in the lines. Defence drops deep and the FBs narrow to the CBs but in more natural FB positions, keeping the defence narrow and sat deep on the edge of our box means that the oppo can't use their pace to get through us, they will be forced into wide areas and we are strong aerially and can cope with crosses and sideways movement. Force Hull to keep going side to side and backwards, as soon as the ball is there to be won, stepping in and looking to release the front three. Terry will man mark the CF today with his power, Christensen will use his reading of the game to sweep.

Today our system means we will look to attack as a group of 5 with the other 5 outfielders there to quickly stop counters and put the ball back in the possession of our forward 5. Starting with Griezmann and Aubameyang who will be the players stretching the game, their job is to hold wide positions off the ball so that Italian back line is always stretched out to each flank, this means more room for Lukaku to run off the CBs and means that they can’t crowd us out. Once they receive the ball the winger must always be looking to get beyond the FB, this is an area we have the beating of them today, aiming to getting the ball in the final third, at the point when the winger receives the ball the opposite winger will look to make an out to in run, we suspect both FBs will be sucked in towards the CBs when the ball goes wide which leaves the winger the option to time his run to get behind the FB unsighted into the box for a cross or for a slide ball through the defence, this will be a big weapon for us today with the movement of Auba and Griezmann. Koke and Rakitic will have a totally free roles when we're in possession, we want them make runs out to the wings to double up where the FBs usually would look to join and help get crosses in, or they can get up close to Lukaku and link with him looking to run beyond him into the box, wherever they see space they goe to cause trouble. They will be the metronome in midfield keeping us moving the ball around quickly enough to drag the Italians about, linking the play, safe in the knowledge they have 5 behind covering them. If this 5 system isn’t working we will allow the FBs to come forward in the wide areas so that when we double up out wide both are available to link things infield but also so that if we lose the ball we have a 3 man midfield together ready to stop attacks. Lukaku occupies the CBs and looks to score the goals. The front 3 also have the ability to rotate, they are all comfortable playing wide and through the middle and all 3 offer different offensive styles in this regard so we can change thing up, using Auba’s pace, Lukakus strength and Griezmanns ingenuity.

Subs:

If Winning: Castro for Koke 70’, fresh legs in midfield. Cornet for Lukaku 80’. Grimaldo for Griezmann 85’.

If Drawing: Carrasco for Aubameyang 70’, more natural wide player will look to get at them, we will also look to start releasing the FBs into positions to overlap and underlap. Williams for Koke 75’, Griezmann into midfield, Rakitic will be more restricted and allow Griezmann a free role behind the forwards to turn the game. Castro for Lukaku 80’, Griezmann CF as he’s better than Lukaku in tight games, Castro comes on and looks to create chances.

If Losing: Castro for Danilo 65’, send the Fbs down the wings, Castro will look to get us on the front foot quickly. Carrasco for Lukaku 70’, Auba in the middle. Williams for Koke 75’, 4-2-4.

------------------ Casillas -------------------
Semedo - Lisandro - Lindelof - M.Layun
------------ G.Medel - I.Gueye ------------
Gelson ---------- Jonas ---------- Mbappe
------------------ Benteke -------------------

J.Cesar, Luisao, Neves, BMI, T.Mendes, Carillo, Bony

Solid 4231 with plenty youth, experience, power and pace to hurt the opposition.

Lindelof and Lisandro have the experienced Casillas behind them as they look to shut up shop, Lisandro man marks, Lindelof goes spare as the two look to shut him dowan asap. Be on to the striker very quickly not giving him an inch to move. Fullbacks defend first and when in no trouble they can attack one ata time. Support the wingers and go to the outsode the have there fullbacks asking questions, this should leave caps if there wingers dont track back.

Medel and Gueye are solid in the middle, tigerish and always nipping at the heals of the oppostion, not great going forward but that is left to others, they protect the back 4 and once they have won the ball they move it forward.

Wingers have freedom, both very quick look to take on the markers and use the players inside for quick one twos to get them to the bye line to firew in crosses for the big man up top. Help defend by tracking the fullbacks as they move forward.

Jonas is more of a link to Benteke and will support him as much as possible, he takers playes away aloowing Benteke to get more space for him to drive into as he picks uip the ball. Jonas is a great finisher too so wiull linbk up well with Benteke(Bony)

Benteke is a very powerful boy, he shrugs players off like they are not there, great player to have on the counter and also a good all round player with skill and pace which if you include his power are all fantastic to have, he is so difficult to stop on his day. Look for the wingers firing in crosses and rise above the CBs.

Captain - Casillas
Penalties - Jonas
Free Kicks - Jonas
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
60 Mins - Carillo for Gelson
70 Mins - Bony for Benteke
80 Mins - Neves for Gueye

------------------- De Gea ------------------
Boateng - J.Stones - Bonucci - Ricardo
------------- Fabinho - Gomes ------------
Gabriel.B ------- Pogba ------- Gabriel.J
------------------- Neymar ------------------

Dragowski, Lahm, Modric, Diawara, Sanchez, A.Silva, T.Abraham

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

Bonucci in beside J.Stones, 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 no trouble as he has to man up to him, will keep him away from goal and be on to him quickly as he comes forward so he can intercept any though he has of going for goal. When in possession he will carry the ball out and start attacks from the back. Stones alongside is fantastic in the air, so will mark any other big players that come into our danger area, strong in the air and strong in the tackle and make sure he is strong enough to get the ball away from danger. Both go up for corners and are a huge threat.

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

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

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

Neymar will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular the Gabriel's.Pogba will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Neymar
Free kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
Losing -
60 Mins - Andre Silva for Gabriel Jesus, Neymar back on the left, Andre up top
70 Mins - Sanchez for Gomes 4-4-2, Sanchez on the right and Gabriel.B up top with Silva
80 Mins - Ricardo to LM, Neymar up top, Abraham for Gabi.B

Winning -
70 Mins - A.Diawara for Gomes sit in
80 Mins - A.Silva for Neymar

Drawing - Modric > Gomes, Sanchez > Gabi.B, A.Silva > Gabi.J Neymar LW

Arsenal vs Chelsea

Injuries:
Chiellini, Cahill, Hamsik, Michy B

……………………………………..Patricio………………………….
………………………Rugani…..Sakho….Romagnoli…………..
……………………………Matic………Kondogbia…………………
Berardi…………………Oscar………….Valero…………………Di Maria
……………………………………….Ronaldo………………………………….

Subs: Hart, Targett, Meré, Marchisio, Lopes, Kane, Walcott


Well after beating Chelsea at a canter at their place in the league, they’re gonna come here looking for revenge. Fans a good manager (don’t tell him though)
He loves his 4-3-3 and we’re set up today to exploit the holes in it – if he changes the system we’re fecked but hey-ho.
We are pretty much playing 5 attackers and 5 defenders, no fancy footwork or little one-twos in our half, want simple clever use of the all – in the attacking 3rd our front 5 have the freedom to do what the feck they like as it’s a numbers game and we have the advantage.

Patricio – a good shot stopper and vastly experienced, good on the ball so he will look to get our attacks started – BUT no risks taken if it needs booting then boot it.

The Defence – we go 3 at the back today banking on Fan sticking with his 4-3-3, Rugani and Roma will “shuffle” to intercept Chelsea’s wingers leaving Sakho to pick up the lone striker, I know it can leave us exposed somewhat but with Matic and Kondogbia screening the defence we can if required pretty much be a back-five.

Matic and Korndog – a stereo-typical double enforcer in the middle of the park, whoever play’s AM for Chelsea today is in for a kicking – not our most adventurous pairing but they have the most important job in the side today, they have to keep things tight and trust our front-five to deliver, I think they should be able to close down the middle so it’s all gravy. I’M PUTTING FAITH IN AN INTER PLAYER FOR FECKS SAKE!!!!!!!!!

The Front-Five
This is where the game is won, it’s all about fire-power and we’re coming all guns blazing, Fans wingers for all their strengths don’t track back and help the defence, Its that “weakness” that we will exploit today – Berardi and Di Maria are super quick and we’ll keep them as high up the pitch as it possible whilst staying onside – Chelsea’s widemen won’t track back so it leaves them 1-1 with Chelsea’s full-backs – IF the FB’s push on they are fecked when we get the ball back, Berardi and ADM will be expected to stay as wide as possible I want to really stretch Chelsea’s back-four,
Valero and Oscar are great players who thankfully aren’t very similar in gameplay – Valero will sit in the whole like a #10 and pick his passes threading them through the gaps and really probing Chelsea’s defence – a huge talent and criminally under-rated by man – but at the end of the day he did it to himself playing for West Bromwich fecking Albion. Oscar is the more dynamicof my twin-tens and will look to make the runs from deep and get behind the defence offering more support to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo the all time leading Champions league scorer – will lead the line, pace power and unpredictability make him the perfect focal point for any-team….good in the build- up and a superb finisher, with 4 AM’s tucked in with him we will have a lovely fluid front-line as we look to play this game on the front foot.

Sub 5 mins

Marchisio > Kondogbia – OK so I didn’t trust the Interisti that much

Sub 60 Mins

Kane > Berardi (CR7 goes LW and ADM RW with Kane as ST)

Sub 80 Mins

Walcott > CR7

--------------------Lloris
Clyne----Bartra-----Manolas----Bertrand
----------------Henderson
----------Lallana---------Pjanic
Salah-------------------------------Dembele
-------------------Sturridge
Subs
Hojbjerg, Pepe, Juanfran, Fabregas, Gaitan, Firmino, Suarez


Lloris is a commanding presence at the back, when he calls for a ball, the defence know he will claim it without trouble, he and the defence have complete confidence in each other and stops those little split second doubts which could lead to a chance being conceded When he has the ball he will look to offload quickly in the direction of the front 3 to get those quick counter attacks started.


Manolas is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM dropping in to make it a back 3 always ready to stop counter attacks, Both CB"s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are so they are always aware. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid sliding tackles unless necessary instead looking to use our experience to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.




For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly wfen defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.


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


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




When attacking, he will look to constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself a bit of space enough for him to face up the defenders and take them on. He will also drift into wider positions,, allowing one of the other front 3 to take the central position to try and draw the defence out of position. When running onto balls played behind or over the defence, he will be looking to get behind the defender and get onto the ball and then use his strength and pace to make sure he stays ahead of the defender to create a chance or draw a foul.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.

Set Pieces


Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, most of the time looking to have the ball at an attackable height around 8-10 yards out inbetween the posts, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Sturridge work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Salah and Dembele flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and flicks around the area. Henderson looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving too far off his line, looking to take a defender with him creating less space for the keeper and one less man in the main action area. Lallana takes a position just 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 - Pjanic takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Pjanic is the designated taker.

Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Gaitan for Dembele - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Hojbjerg for Lallana and Fabregas for Pjanic - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Hojbrg + Fabregas for Henderson + Lallana - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks, show the opposition we are going for the win.

If Losing



70 Mins - Suarez, Pepe and Fabregas for Bertrand, Henderson and Clyne - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

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comment by Tranquil Chaos (U14085) posted 1 day, 14 hours ago
AS Rovenli

---------------------Reina
Hysaj--Maksimovic--Albiol--Ghoulam
------------Sturaro------Saponara
Insigne------------Hulk-----------Callejon
------------------Gabbiadini
Subs
Neto, Tonellii, Maggio, Montolivo, Feghouli, Falque, Totti

Tactical Overview
For the first 15 minutes of each half we are going to try and blitz the opposition, pressing them all over the pitch and using the pace in attack to try and catch them cold, then then settling down into a 3 quarter press allowing the opposition CB's and Keeper to have the ball as much as they want whilst still pressing the other areas of the pitch.



Keeper


When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch clear towards our wingers rather than having to flap at pressurised catches.



Full Backs

Defensively the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, 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 launching an attack of our own.

 Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on wether to go with him. They won't put too many crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch or run to the byline and cut back passes along the ground with pace.

Centre Backs

They will generally be looking to limit the space to get in behind them, shuffling across to make it a back 3 if one full back is caught up the pitch, Maksimovic will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played into him, with Albiol concentrating on winning the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Albiol will be the defender who looks to meet the striker, looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Maksimovic making the covering runs. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to use their pace and keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

Centre Mids


The midfield 2 will be utilising their high energy, all action styles to get themselves around the middle of 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. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 4 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/AMs as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Attacking Midfielder

Hulk should be looking to make himself available for a pass as much as possible, having a free role to drift around between their defence and midfield, when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, he should be looking to drift around the space between the DM and full backs and make them have to make decisions on who goes to him. He should also look to get the ball and run at defenders forcing them into tackles they don't want to make either taking themselves out of the game or making a foul.
Defensively, he should be looking to work with the attackers as a collective so they dont give the full backs and centre mids time on the ball.


Wingers


When they are off the ball, the emphasis for the wingers will be to drift around combining with the other attackers to get little areas of space before using their pace to make runs between the CB and FB and get in behind them. When they are on the ball the emphasis will be more on cutting inside with the occasional long shot to test the keeper, and only occasionally putting in crosses, getting involved in a fast intricate style of passing with the other attackers, they should also look to run at players as they will be cautious not to give away a free kick or penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and FB to add an extra body in the box. When defending, they should be blocking the passing lines to the full backs as well as keeping track of them when they go forward.







Striker


When attacking, he will look to 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 running onto a ball, He will also be looking to use his strength to get in front of the centre backs to hold them off and draw a foul if they choose not to let him go.
When defending, he will be working with the wingers to cut off the passing lines for their CB's, forcing them or the keeper to launch it long.

Set Pieces


Corners - Saponara takes the corners, the CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's and Gabbiadini work in a group to make little blocks and cross-runs to lose a marker so 1 or 2 can get a freer run at the ball, Insigne and Callejon flit around away from the main attacking group looking to pounce on mistimed touches and bobbles around the area. Sturaro looks to limit the opposition keeper from moving around the 6 yard box, looking to take a defender with him meaning more blocking for the keeper and one less man in the action area. Hulk takes a position just 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 - Suarez takes Direct FK's



For Indirect FK's, same instructions as Corners





Penalties - Suarez is the designated taker.





Subs



If Winning


70 mins - Montolivo for Hulk - The wingers tuck back, but look to get out quickly and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.




81 + 85 Mins - Maggio for Callejon and Feghouli for Insigne - Fresh legs with the added element of running down the clock.



If Drawing
70 Mins - Montolivo + Totti for Hulk + Saponara - Bring a bit more urgency into attacks.

If Losing



70 Mins - Totti, Tonelli and Montolivo for Hysaj, Ghoulam and Sturaro - switch to a 3-5-2 with emphasis on the wings backs acting as wingers and we go all out attacking for a way to get back into the game.

ASTON VILLA 4-2-3-1

———————————— 1. Oblak
5. Zabaleta — 3. Bailly — 4. Benatia — 6. Sandro
—————— 28. Schneiderlin —— 5. Wijnaldum
10. Robben ————— 17. De Bruyne ————— 8. Coutinho
————————————— 9. Higuain

SUBS: 31. Begovic, 12. Smalling, 7. Mkhitaryan, 38. Barry, 23. Eriksen, 39. Son, 21. Gameiro

Captain: Arjen Robben
Corners: Kevin de Bruyne
Crossing free-kicks: Kevin de Bruyne
Shooting free-kicks: Phillipe Coutinho
Penalties: Arjen Robben

We stick to a 4-2-3-1 counter attack and again a near full strength side with Wijnaldum coming into the side bringing his tactical intelligence with him, helping with dominating the midfield alongside KDB and Robben. Up against a strong opposition team today in what is a crucial game for Aston Villa’s chances at getting a trophy we need a win and so we are very motivated, we expect the opposition to be looking to dominate, we usually play this way too, however with our greater experience and the pace on the break of our front 4 we're going to play more on the counter attack leaving very little space between the lines of midfield and defence when defending.

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

The block of four of Benatia Bailly Schneiderlin and Wijnaldum will form a four man block around their striker when out of possession. Schneiderlin and Wijnaldum will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line while Bailly will mark their striker tightly with Benatia sweeping behind if he does get through. KDB will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders.

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

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

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

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

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

SUBS:

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

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Eriksen for Schneiderlin. Fresh creativity and legs. Pace will also cause problems. Xhaka will drop back to DM to control the game while Eriksen and KDB will dominate from behind Higuain as well as adding an extra goal threat in a 4-1-4-1. Robben on right and Coutinho goes to the left.

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

Athletic Sevillareal

———————————Asenjo
Gaspar———Carrico—————Ruiz———Nagatomo
——————Bruno——————San Jose
Vitolo————————R.Garcia——————Cherschev
———————————Aduriz

Subs: Iraizoz, Mariano, Tremoulinas, Benat, Susaeta, Vazquez, Bukambu

We will look to be a solid counter attack team today looking to get at Villa down the sides and with longer balls into our two big target men.

First and foremost we must defend as a group from half way, pressing them with our three behind the striker who will close up and put pressure on the ball, with the 6 behind that organised focusing on watching space rather than men, so we look to rush them forward into a tight compact area. Once the first ball is played the three that press will drop in with the rest of the side and we will look to press the space from then on lining up where Villa look to attack, so they look to go wide, the AM trio move in tandem to close off the wing with the FB joining in to make a 4 man block whilst the CMs sit in and make sure Villa can’t get in field. If they start in field and look to go through the middle the 3 man pressing team narrow to the CMs and make sure there is no way through a crowded midfield. The back 4 all know their jobs, FBs tight to the CBs when defending the middle of the field, make sure there is no space to play in the channels, when they have to move wide to defend the flank the opposite FB tucks inside so we have a back 3.

When we go forward we look to hit Aduriz early, he will position himself behind the CMs and in front of the CBs so he always has space to get the ball down and lay it off, looking to get it out to the wingers who will charge forward using their pace, with the FBs in support of them. When we get into the final third both wingers like to come inside, when they do this the FB will overlap and the CFs(R.Garcia and Aduriz at this point) will work in tandem so when one moves towards the ball, the other moves back into a position to attack crosses, this means that one can come forward play a quick one two to get the winger down the channel and he will have the other waiting for the ball in. Alternatively we can use long diagonals either in to Garcia who will look to make a nuisance of himself up against the FBs, with the winger looking to run off him in behind, or go direct to the winger, particularly Cherschyev who is excellent at finding gaps to run into between FB and CB.

Subs:

If Winning: Bukambu for Aduriz 70’, fresh legs and a little extra pace. Benat for Cherschyev 80, he goes AM, Garcia goes wide.

If Drawing: Benat for San Jose 70’, can pick the passes for the attackers. Vazquez and Susaeta for Vitolo and Cherschyev 75’, fresh legs to attack the wide areas.

If Losing: Bukambu and Benat for San Jose and R.Garcia 65’, 4-4-2, direct into the two big men upfront. Vazquez for Cheryschev 75’, fresh creativity.

Lopes
Khazri Nkoulou Gonalons Jallet
Capoue Kouyate Diarra
Ben Arfa Remy Valbuena

Gorgelin; Imbula; Camacho; Fernando; Martin; Ocampos; Guilavogui

Captain: Gonalons
Penalties: Remy
Corners: Valbuena
Free Kicks: Ben Arfa

With a team made up almost entirely of midfield players, we know exactly where our strengths will be in this game.

The middle of the park is where our fight will be won or lost and, to aid us, we are fielding a fluid 433 formation reminiscent of the Dutch Total Football side that dazzled the world.

We expect our players to be constantly on the move, switching up between defence and attack, coming central and playing wide.

Our front 3 all have decent pace and are technically sound - they will be the focal point of our attack, shifting positions, pulling Defenders out of formation and keeping in tune with their partners to ensure a passing option is always available.
They will also be the first line of defence and will be expected to make sure it is difficult for our opposition to play out from the back.

Our defence and midfield will work in tandem as many of them are equally adept in the middle or at the back. Nkoulou and Jallet will keep back at all times but the others will take it in turns to support the attacking effort. Khazri in particular will be looking to bomb down the wing at every opportunity.

Defensively they will need to stay deep and rigid. Our best chance of success is by defending in numbers and so we will camp just outside our box - making sure to sit narrow within the lines of the box so that we are not stretched out of formation.

Once on the ball, we will be looking to play direct, bring our flair players in to the game as quickly as possible and look to snatch a result.

Substitutions:

75 minutes: Ocampos for Valbuena, Fernando for Kouyate and Imbula for Diarra

------------------ De Gea ------------------
Fabinho - Boateng - Laporte - Ricardo
------------ Lemina -- Modric ------------
Sanchez -------- Pogba -------- M.Pjaca
------------------ Aguero ------------------

Dragowski, Umtiti, Busquets, Gomes, Neymar, G.Jesus, Sergio Diaz

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

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

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

Lemina to stop the AM getting the ball from midfield to the striker, he must be right on top of him looking to close him down at the quickest opportunity, let him dictate play and there striker will get plenty chances, we must not let this happen. So quick and into him, fairly and stop this! Lemina himself will look to dictate from deep as he picks up from the defence and looks to drive us forward with precision passing. Modric v the second most advanced midfielder much the same, but obvs when we have the ball he is allowed to move forward and push him back, Modric should have a bit of time to look around him for the pass as he looks to find his team mates with ease. Use his upper body strength to get him away from the player. Pass and move always look for the return pass. When they have then close down the CM, he will look to ping the ball about so get to him before that opportunity arises. We have put Pogba in a No.10 role or just slightly withdrawn No.10 against there DM he must be strong, Pogba is an all round fantastic midfielder,, however he will look to take the DM on one v one drag him about open up spaces for others to drive into, with the ball at feet look to play quick one twos with those around him so he makes the runs into the box looking for that return ball that will get him in on goal. If the ball is played to him with his back to goal hold it up, draw the foul from the DM, if it doesnt come then look to lay it off, look to play the slide pass into the forward 3. All three are good all round midfielders, But Lemina i want to sit in the hole with the two either side when defending.

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

Aguero will get plenty chances, he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, however I want to target the slower of the two. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Target the slower of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges..All of our front four/five will be a threat today we must go for it and keep pace with the league leaders. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers.Pogba will be making his runs also so be watchful of him just to lay it off to the side

Captain - Lahm
Penalties - Sanchez
Free kicks - Modric
Corners - Wingers

Subs:-
65 Min - G.Jesus for Pjaca - straight swap
75 Mins -
Losing - Neymar for Modric 442, Pogba into CM
Winning - Busquets for Modric
Drawing - Gomes for Pogba

80 Mins -
Sergio Diaz on for Aguero

--------------------------Weidenfeller
Kimmich-------Sven Bender--------Badstuber--------Alaba
----------------------Weigl--------------Sanches
------Passlack--------------Thiago---------------Pulisic
-------------------------------Müller

Subs: Starke, Durm, Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Green, Ramos, Kießling


Our defensive unit consists of Sven Bender and Holger Badstuber paired up at centre-back, Joshua Kimmich at right-back and David Alaba at left-back, with Julian Weigl and Renato Sanches as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Weigl and Sanches we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Renato Sanches can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Julian Weigl can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Sanches’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Sanches running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Julian Weigl.

A holding midfielder through and through, Weigl is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Weigl such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Felix Passlack, Thiago and Christian Pulisic as our band of three attacking midfielders and Thomas Müller as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Weigl or Sanches, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Kimmich and Alaba can surge up the wings in the knowledge that the Weigl and Sanches can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Passlack and Pulisic who are fast dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. Thiago our attacking central midfielder is a creative passer who will look to play them or Thomas Müller in via fast passing combinations.

No doubts that Thomas Müller is our luxury player. What Muller brings to the table is unique. Among the many technically brilliant, yet sometimes overly calculated and predictable attacking players, Muller offers an element of surprise. An edge in attack.
Some players have patterns of plays and runs that repeat themselves. Muller rarely makes the same run or move twice.

Some players suffer dips in form that visibly affect their performances, slumps that completely remove them from matches. Muller can have a quiet 89 minutes but come up with a moment of brilliance that will win our team the game.

Sub: 75 Mins: Green on for Passlack (Green at LW, Pulisic moves over to RW)

Main MonchenShalke vs Villa


……………………………….Fahrmann………………………….
Korb…………………Naldo………Mertesacker………….Kolasinac
……………………………Cabaye……Sahin……………………………
Jakub…………………………..Meyer…………………………Chadli
………………………………………Huntelaar……………………………

Subs – Sommer, Vestergaard, Veltman, Sahin, Kramer, Doumbia, Stindl

We’ve built a side with a nice strong spine in the typical German style, no-one is bigger than the team, but together everyone achieves more.
No tippy tappy bull shat in this blitzkrieg team, fast paced in your face, heavy pressing football – circa Man Utd in the mid to late 90’s, get the ball down quickly spread it to the wings and bang it into the box for the big man to deal with.

Fahrmann – 6ft5” shot stopper…expect him to command his area in a proper no-nonsence style, none of this sweeper keeper bollax I want him to do the basics – stop the opposition from scoring and move the ball on quickly when he has it…try and catch crosses rather than this foreign malaise of punching everything.
Korb – seems to be pretty pacey and will use that to get up and down the flanks giving us some decent attacking width as he runs the over-lap for Jakub to cut inside.
Kolasinac – like Korb has a decent turn of pace and will look to mirror his RB – when one goes one sits
Naldo – One of half of potentially the tallest CB pairing in the competition standing at an impressive 6ft6 will be the first knock CB anything in the air he’ll deal with and will also be a threat in the other box from set-pieces.
Mertesacker – 2 metre Peter will be the “spare” man at the back – may not be the quickest but vastly experienced will sit just off Naldo sweeping up any loose balls – another to go up for any set-pieces using his 6ft7” frame to the best of his ability

Cabaye – will be our deep lying playmaker – collecting the ball from the defence and spreading it wide, sharp crisp passing as we look to transition quickly from defence to attack…has a very good delivery from set-pieces so will look to pick out Naldo/Mertesacker as often as possible

Fellaini – Has his detractors but he’s in the side today as our box-to-box man.. strong in the tackle and good in the air adds some real muscle to the side, another one who’s a real threat from set-pieces

Meyer – Young Maximilian comes in as the #10, will look to stay close to Huntelaar and pick up any knock-downs, can also play wide left or right so will have the freedom to move about allowing Jakub and Chadli to cut inside.
Jakub and Chadli – neither are really out and out wingers, but they will start their, both are given freedom to roam (also switch with Meyer) this very fluid trident should make it pretty hard for them to be man-marked as they’ll be pulling their man out of position, both have attacking full-backs pushing on so we should have good attacking numbers and with a proper target man in the side, we should have some fun.

Huntelaar – still banging the goals in, will lead the line in the way he always has, big physical presence, good with his back to goal as he holds it up for others to come into play, will lay it off and spin looking for the return ball and a nice one on one finish.

Subs 65 mins
Doumbia > Huntelaar
Kramer > Fellaini
Sahin > Cabaye

Arsenal vs the cheese eating surrender monkeys

Injuries - Clichy, Rugani, Valero, ADM

…………………………………….Hart……………………………..
………………………Luiz…Chiellini…Romangoli……….
…………………………Marchisio…Verratti………………
Cuadrado………………………Oscar……………………….El Shaarawy
………………………Mandzukic…….Berardi…………………………….

Subs: Patricio, Cahill, Sakho, Matic, Ronaldo, Kane, Lopes

Away game vs the best that France has to offer – disappointing draw last time out so we need to get a win today. Changed the shape about but still with a 5 defence and 5 attack system in mind.

The defence

A nice strong back 3 today – no nonsence at the back, I know Luiz has his flaws but with Chiellini in alongside covering him he’ll be fine – yes we’re susceptible to good strong wing play but that’s a risk we’ll take. All 3 are good on the ball so although they’ll keep it simple they wont be punting it aimlessly down field – they’re all good in the air so even though we lose the width when the crosses come in it’s bread and butter for these lads.

The midfield

Marchisio and Verratti give me a nice mix in the engine room – we set-up today without a pure enforcer – Verratti will be in as the quarter-back – sitting infront of the defence and dictating the tempo like an orchestrator while Claudio will be our B2B man

The 3am’s

Cuadrado and El Egypt are in today as proper old fashioned wingers – hog the line and stretch the defence as wide as possible – have a lovely big target in Mandy so will look to ping as many balls into him as possible.
Oscar not really a traditional #10 but has a great engine on him so will play in the hole looking to use his leg-work to good effect for the benefit of the team

Mandy & Donny B

Mandzukic and Dybala tore up Serie A last season so with that in mind there is no reason why Berardi can’t be “My Dybala” – Mandy is the big strong powerhouse bullying defenders and creating space – Berardi is my man on the shoulder, feeding off the lay-offs and knock downs – these two should combine lovely

subs 60 mins

Ronaldo & Kane > Mandy & Berardi – lets give him the run around for the final 30
Matic > Verratti – a more physical presence to keep things tight at the back